The U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock visited Enga Province in her first ever trip to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. This trip is not just a first for Ambassador Yastishock, but the first time a U.S. Ambassador has ever visited the province. First, she visited the site of the Mulitaka landslide to pay her respects to the victims and those affected by the disaster. While there, she spoke with local officials about aid efforts and met representatives from the International Organization for Migration, who serve as the implementing partners for USAID assistance. The Ambassador expressed her condolences and expressed the importance of USAID support. In the Provincial Capital, Wabag, Ambassador Yastishock joined the Governor of Enga, Grand Chief, Sir Peter Ipatas to celebrate Enga culture and to highlight more than 70 years of partnership between the Enga and American people. At the Take Anda Museum, Governor Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka highlighted Enga’s history, ceremonies, and rituals as described by local oral historians, in partnership with an American anthropologist. The Ambassador then celebrated those rich cultural traditions and ceremonies at the 30th annual Enga Cultural Show in Wabag. “I was absolutely captivated by the vibrant dances, intricate artwork, and music that brings together, and the life and stories of your people and your ancestors,” said Ambassador Yastishock after the show. “By understanding and appreciating each other’s cultures, we not only enrich our experiences, but also strengthen the ties that bind us.” Highlighting the long partnership between American and Enga educators, Ambassador Yastishock visited the Innovative University of Enga (IUE) campus at Irelya, where she met with teachers and students to learn about how they are educating the next generation of teachers. Teachers often travel from across PNG to attend IUE. She then visited Highland Lutheran International School, established by American missionaries in the 1950s, and now operated entirely by Papua New Guineans. Ambassador Yastishock greatly appreciates the warm welcome she received from the people she met across Enga Province and the significant investments made by Governor Ipatas in the future of Enga. She looks forward to working with Governor Ipatas and the people of Enga Province to strengthen ties between Enga and the American people.