Marape and Albanese begin historic walk at Kokoda station

Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese has become the first sitting PM to walk parts of the 96 kilometer historical Kokoda track.

Prime Minister James Marape is accompanying Mr Albanese who started the walk at the beginning of the track at Kokoda station before midday today.

They will overnight at Deniki Village along the track and then to Isurava on Thursday for the ANZAC Day memorial dawn service.

It was the site of fierce fighting during World War 2 when Australian soldiers, helped by local villagers repelled the Japanese advance on Port Moresby.

The event sealed the close bond between PNG and Australia.

On arrival yesterday in Port Moresby, Mr Albanese spoke about the close relationship.

" As we are walking side by side, step by step in the same direction, it's exactly what our relationship is, a relationship as you have said which is never stronger, he said.

"A relationship in which our economy, social and national security ties have never been stronger", Mr Albanese said.

During the state dinner last night at Parliament House, Mr Marape also spoke about the strong ties between PNG and Australia.

“You can rest assured that the security of our two nations are deeply anchored in our shared past which is littered with much tears, sweat and sacrifice. And none more evident than the Spirit of ANZAC which manifests in our many freedoms and what is now known as Kokoda Track".