NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to arrive in PNG for landmark State visit ahead of 50th Independence Anniversary

Sunday, 3 August 2025, 8:49 pm

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and PNG PM James Marape

Papua New Guinea will tomorrow welcome New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for a three-day state visit, marking a historic step in strengthening bilateral relations ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in September.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed Luxon’s visit, which runs from August 4–6, describing it as a defining moment for the two nations’ partnership.

“New Zealand has stood with Papua New Guinea since independence,” Marape said. “From education and climate resilience to trade and governance, their steadfast support has been foundational.”

Luxon’s visit will include a state dinner on Monday evening, an address to PNG’s National Parliament on Tuesday, followed by high-level bilateral talks covering trade, labour mobility, climate resilience, and infrastructure development. The visit concludes with a farewell ceremony on Wednesday.

Marape said the trip will deepen people-to-people links and expand government and economic collaboration.

He said New Zealand continues to play a key role in Bougainville’s post-referendum political pathway. In June, Burnham Consultations in Canterbury, moderated by Sir Jerry Mateparae and supported by the UN, saw both governments agree to table the 2019 referendum results and related findings before PNG’s Parliament.

PM Marape acknowledged New Zealand’s historic and ongoing role as a neutral facilitator in maintaining peace and supporting dialogue.

The New Zealand PM's visit kicks off a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled for a four-day visit in early September, the first by a UN chief to PNG.

Marape urged citizens to approach the milestone with unity and reflection, noting a national month of prayer throughout August culminating in a National Day of Prayer on August 26.

“Let us honour those who paved the way and build a nation worthy of the next 50 years,” Marape said. “The world is watching. Let us rise together, one people, one nation, one country.”