Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary saw an unprecedented gathering of regional and international leaders, underscoring the country’s growing diplomatic and economic significance on the global stage.
Prime Minister James Marape hosted bilateral and multilateral partners, dignitaries, investors and business leaders across a week of events in Port Moresby, describing their participation as “a testimony that Papua New Guinea does not stand alone, but as part of a strong family of nations.”
Global dignitaries join PNG’s Golden Jubilee
Among the distinguished guests were the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles; Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka; New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour; the prime ministers of Niue, Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Solomon Islands; United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau; Chinese Special Envoy Huang Runqiu; Japanese Foreign Minister Takuma Miyaji; French Representative Veronique Roger-Lacan; and Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda.
The scale of participation, described as the largest gathering of leaders in PNG outside of a formal summit, highlighted the strategic value placed on the country’s political stability, natural resources and regional role in the Pacific.
Speaking at the Independence Dinner at APEC Haus on 15 September, Marape expressed gratitude to bilateral and multilateral partners for supporting PNG since independence in 1975. He emphasised that despite doubts at the country’s founding, PNG has sustained 50 years of democracy, with 17 governments formed through parliamentary process, not conflict.
“Fifty years on, we have survived under one democracy, one national anthem, one pledge and one Constitution,” he said, crediting partners, churches, investors and communities for contributing to PNG’s growth.
Marape also appealed for ongoing support, reminding leaders of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“Do not give up on Papua New Guinea. We ask that you continue to assist us build a country that is truly prosperous; that preserves the sanctity of our God-given land … Your help to PNG is a help to Planet Earth,” he said, noting PNG’s vast biodiversity and role as a global carbon sink.
Back-to-back bilateral meetings cement cooperation
Between 14 and 17 September, Marape held intensive rounds of bilateral discussions with global leaders, strengthening economic and strategic partnerships.
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India reaffirmed support for PNG’s electoral systems, broadcasting, energy transition, small business development and pharmaceuticals.
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China delivered a personal letter from President Xi Jinping, confirming commitments in trade, climate change, sustainable forestry and environmental conservation.
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United States signed a framework for strategic cooperation covering defence, maritime security, law enforcement, critical minerals, trade and investment, and digital infrastructure.
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Japan reaffirmed trade and technology ties through a congratulatory message from its prime minister.
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Indonesia advanced cross-border cooperation, finalised arrangements for bus and coach travel, and discussed visa-on-arrival for ordinary passport holders.
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France pledged support in forestry, environmental management and climate risk mitigation.
These agreements underscored PNG’s position as an increasingly attractive partner for investment and cooperation in areas ranging from energy transition to digital infrastructure.
Messages of goodwill from world leaders
PNG also received congratulatory messages from around the world. His Majesty King Charles III delivered a four-minute speech in Tok Pisin via video, recalling his role in PNG’s independence in 1975 and praising the nation’s resilience, diversity and development over five decades. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other global leaders also conveyed goodwill messages.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders, who had just concluded their 54th Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands, joined PNG’s celebrations, further underlining regional solidarity.
For businesses and investors, PNG’s Golden Jubilee celebrated national resilience and also served as a platform for deepening economic partnerships. The strong presence of global leaders, combined with reaffirmed commitments in trade, climate resilience, technology and infrastructure, positioned PNG as a vital player in the Pacific and an emerging market of interest.
Marape assured partners that PNG would continue to safeguard democracy and its natural wealth while pursuing prosperity.
"Your presence in our country at this milestone gives significance to our journey, and your continued partnership will help shape our next 50 years,” he said.
