By postcourieronline
Copyright postcourier
The United States warmly congratulates Papua New Guinea on its 50th Anniversary of Independence, marking five decades of partnership and shared progress.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Port Moresby to commemorate this historic milestone and reaffirm the enduring relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea.
During the visit, Deputy Secretary Landau emphasized the United States’ commitment to strengthening economic ties, enhancing infrastructure development, and deepening defense cooperation with PNG. Admiral Paparo highlighted the strategic importance of PNG in the Indo-Pacific and the shared values that underpin the partnership between the two nations.
On September 15th, Prime Minister James Marape and the Deputy Secretary signed a Framework for Strategic Cooperation, formalizing mutual priorities for the future of our bilateral relationship. The Framework encompasses economic, commercial and digital collaboration, as well as critical minerals and infrastructure development. At the same time, the framework reaffirms existing mechanisms, like the Strategic Partnership Dialogue and the 2023 Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence, the delegation joined the Prime Minister and other senior officials at the official flag-raising ceremony, honoring the moment 50 years ago when the PNG flag was raised for the first time.
“Papua New Guinea’s journey over the past 50 years has been remarkable, and the United States is honored to have been a steadfast partner from the very beginning,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock. “Together, we will continue to build on our shared values and work toward a prosperous future for the people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.”
While in PNG, Deputy Secretary Landau and Admiral Paparo participated in the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Roundtable, with Ambassador Yastishock moderating the discussions. The Roundtable engaged leaders from across the Pacific to discuss the United States’ commitment to the region and shared priorities.
“U.S. engagement in the Pacific is broad,” said Deputy Secretary Landau. “From unexploded ordnance remediation programs in Papua New Guinea and beyond, to recent capacity building, infrastructure, and security programs across the region.”
The visit also included key events such as the groundbreaking of DGCI’s $498 million U.S.-funded fuel storage facility, facilitated through the 2023 Defense Cooperation Agreement. These initiatives underscore the United States’ commitment to supporting PNG’s economic growth, resilience, and regional security.
As Papua New Guinea celebrates this historic milestone, the United States looks forward to continuing its partnership and advancing mutual goals for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
