Pacific leaders to attend Golden Jubilee
As the country prepares to celebrate 50 years of Independence next Tuesday, Prime Minister James Marape has confirmed that the Pacific and world leaders will be part of the golden jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby.
The Prime Minister says a special flight arranged by the Solomon Islands Government will bring leaders to PNG for the 50th anniversary.
"Next week we expect on the 13th, and I want to thank Solomon Islands Government. They are kind in facilitating a plane load of leaders to come to Port Moresby to be with us on our 50th", the Prime Minister said
Mr Marape, who is in Honiara this week for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum meetings, told NBC News that around ten heads of state or government are expected, with Australia having a strong representation, along with Indonesia and the United Kingdom.
"From PIF, the Australian Prime Minister, the Indonesian President, also from close by, is coming in to be with us. In fact, from what I was told, Australia will have its Governor General, and Deputy Prime Minister, attend", Marape added.
The Prime Minister says other world leaders will send video messages, and Tuesday night will be a special celebration for the country.
"Some world leaders will drop in a line or two in terms of the big screen conversations. Tuesday night, our Independence Night, will be a memorable night that should inspire young children in our country to grow with the memory for the next 50 years.
Mr Marape says the jubilee is a chance to reflect on the past 50 years, but also to look ahead.
"I want to indicate to the country that, whilst we have not done all we should be doing, 50 years as a nation, we're not that old as yet. We're not that young either, but we're just in between.
"So sometimes we're hard on ourselves, and rightfully so. People should hold leaders to account but speak with a balanced view of our recommendations.
"And 50 years on, through natural disasters, man-made disasters, and the crisis that happened 14 years after independence, we remain, one people, one nation, one country", the Prime Minister said.
Mr Marape says the golden jubilee will show PNG’s unity, its democracy, and its place in the Pacific and the world.