Prime Minister James Marape has officially announced that Papua New Guinea will host New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for a high-level bilateral visit, 4-6 August, 2025. The visit comes ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary and underscores the strong and evolving relationship between the two Pacific nations.
“This visit by Prime Minister Luxon is both symbolic and strategic,” Marape said. “He is coming personally to convey his apology that he will not be able to attend our Independence Day celebrations in September due to parliamentary commitments in New Zealand. His early visit highlights the value he places on our bilateral relationship.”
The visit builds on the outcomes of Marape’s state visit to New Zealand in March 2025 and is part of the implementation of the Papua New Guinea–New Zealand Statement of Partnership 2025–2029, which was signed earlier this year. Officials from both countries are now finalising a Joint Economic Cooperation Plan to complement the partnership and align with PNG’s Vision 2050.
Prime Minister Luxon’s three-day visit will include:
- A ceremonial welcome
- Bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and senior government ministers
- An official address to Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament on Tuesday, 5 August
- Engagements with business, development and community stakeholders
Marape praised New Zealand as a long-standing and dependable partner in the Pacific.
“New Zealand has been a friend to PNG since the 1970s — from missionaries and public servants to direct development assistance, education opportunities and investment partnerships,” he said. “They have consistently supported our nation, including through streamlined migration and visa processes and expanded labour mobility schemes."
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged New Zealand’s enduring role in peacebuilding, particularly in Bougainville. “They were instrumental in the Bougainville peace process, from the 1997 negotiations to the Burnham Declarations in 2000. Today, they remain involved as trusted partners as we conclude the next phase of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement," he added.
As a senior member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Marape noted that New Zealand’s visit reaffirms its commitment to regional solidarity and deepens the bilateral ties as Papua New Guinea chart a new course for the next 50 years.
