Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese arrives in Port Moresby a day after the departure of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will touch down at the Jacksons International Airport exactly 24 hours after the departure of China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi from Port Moresby.
PNG continues to play the balancing act with the two countries which are on a geo-political influence scout in the Pacific Region.
The PNG Government has stayed true to its commitment, maintaining security ties with Australia and the US, while continuing to increase trade relations with China.
Prime Minister James Marape says the arrival of his Australian counterpart, “does not coincide with China's Foreign Ministers [Wang Yi] visit, two totally separate planned visits with their own timing, they did not plan to be back-to-back visits.”
China’s top diplomat and entourage flew out of Port Moresby on Sunday after a 24-hour visit, which saw agreement signings on PNG agriculture exports, information communication technology and humanitarian relief assistance.
The Australian prime minister's entourage will arrive in Port Moresby this afternoon before flying over to Northern Province to walk the Kokoda track, with his PNG counterpart to accompany him to commemorate ANZAC Day by following in the footsteps of fallen Australia servicemen during the fight of Kokoda in World War II.
Mr Marape sees the visitation of both VIPs a “blessing” and says foreign affairs will give the same diplomatic protocols it deserves.
“We will give Prime Minister Albanese a rousing welcome, protocol deserving of a head of government, and we will host him very well.
“And this will be the longest stay over of any Australian prime minister in our shared history, arriving Monday [and] departing Thursday,”
Mr Marape says the Kokoda Track holds significant historical value, having been a crucial route during World War II, with the support of PNG’s 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels' and the journey is designed to honor the enduring bonds and shared history between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The highlight of the visit will include the traditional ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Isurava on Thursday. Both leaders will participate in the ceremony, underscoring their mutual respect and commemoration of the bravery and sacrifices during the war.
“This walk will symbolise our shared history, forged during the dark days of World War II, and our shared future as two nations sharing this part of the Pacific,” Mr Marape said.
“I want to thank Oro Governor Garry Juffa and his province for preparing for this visit at short notice.
“We must ensure that this momentous occasion, which is deeply embedded in the Australian psyche, is a memorable one.
“For the Australian Prime Minister to walk the Kokoda Trail says a lot about the ties between our two countries and does so much to promote tourism in our country.”