Prime Minister Albanese has concluded a two day visit to Papua New Guinea where he joined Prime Minister James Marape for their first Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby. The visit was an opportunity to strengthen the close partnership between our two countries based on high levels of economic and security cooperation, shared interests and strong cultural, sporting, church and labour mobility links.
The Prime Ministers agreed to a Joint Statement of Commitment to negotiate a Bilateral Security Treaty, which will expand our existing defence relationship and intensify bilateral cooperation on policing, law and justice. The leaders also discussed boosting business ties, trade and investment between the two countries, and agreed to work together on developing potential new trade arrangements and expanding PNG’s agricultural production.
Australia’s commitment to support Papua New Guinea to expand women’s leadership and equality was reaffirmed with the announcement of a new five-year program, PNG Women Lead. Leaders also agreed to establish reciprocal school boys and girls rugby league tours, which will strengthen Papua New Guinea’s rugby league talent development pathways.
During the visit Prime Minister Albanese delivered the first address by a foreign head of government to Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament, a great honour for Australia. The Prime Minister also travelled with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak to visit the resting place of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, who worked closely with former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in the lead up to Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.
The leaders’ Joint Statement is also available.