By postcourieronline
Copyright postcourier
Trade and Markets: New agreements are opening access for PNG products — including agriculture, fisheries, and forestry — to markets in China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Labour Mobility: Australia and New Zealand are expanding seasonal and permanent labour schemes for Papua New Guineans, with reciprocal visa arrangements being advanced.
Education and Skills: Partnerships are raising education standards so PNG’s qualifications are recognised abroad, ensuring opportunities for students and young workers.“Foreign relations for me are not just about diplomacy. At their heart must be commerce and trade. Every nation we engage with must also be a partner in growing our economy and opening doors for our people,” the Prime Minister said.
Among the highlights of the Golden Jubilee was the address of His Majesty King Charles III, who delivered a special address recalling his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s role in PNG’s independence and reaffirming the United Kingdom’s enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea.Also addressing the nation was His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who represented the continuity of the Crown’s relationship with PNG, paying tribute to the resilience of Papua New Guineans and expressing hope for an even stronger partnership in the next 50 years.
A Future Built on Shared ValuesPrime Minister Marape said the presence of so many leaders at PNG’s 50th Anniversary was proof that the world views Papua New Guinea as a stable, democratic, and values-based nation.
“We are a Melanesian, Pacific, and Christian country. Our values of tolerance, forgiveness, sharing, and caring are our true wealth. These values have carried us through the last 50 years, and with the support of our partners, they will carry us into the next 50,” he said.The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to use international goodwill to strengthen domestic reforms in education, health, law and justice, and infrastructure.
Closing Message“On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I thank all our international friends who stood with us during our Golden Jubilee. Your presence is a mark of friendship and respect. It shows that the world sees Papua New Guinea, not just as a small Pacific nation, but as a partner of global significance.
“The moving addresses from His Majesty King Charles III and His Royal Highness Prince Edward reminded us of our shared history, and more importantly, our shared future. Together, we will build a future of prosperity, peace, and shared progress,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.
