Eyeing to clinch a security deal with Papua New Guinea as soon as possible, Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Papua New Guinea from 12-13 January to attend the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue alongside his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby.
Prime Minister Albanese two days visit to PNG on December 12 was postponed as he was tested positive for COVID-19.
It’s the first time an Australian prime minister will visit PNG since 2018. The visit comes as the two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.
“I am looking forward to starting the New Year with a visit to Papua New Guinea to reinforce the strong bond between our two countries.”, Mr Albanese said.
“Australia and Papua New Guinea are close not just geographically, but also because of our long history and shared vision for the future”, he added.
Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby.
Trade, economic recovery, infrastructure, defence, policing and tackling climate change will all be on the agenda during the visit.
In addition to visiting Port Moresby, Prime Minister Albanese will travel with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea.
In Wewak Prime Minister Albanese will visit the resting place of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
