15 September 2014

Independence Day Message

On behalf of the Government and people of Australia, I would like to express my best wishes to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on the occasion of their 39th anniversary of Independence.

The relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is deep and enduring. It is borne of history and geography and covers the full range of interests with close links between the governments, businesses and peoples of our two countries.

The visits to Papua New Guinea this year by the Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, have reaffirmed the close friendship between our two countries.

Australia welcomes Papua New Guinea’s contribution to the Pacific region, including its leadership in the Pacific Islands Forum and other regional mechanisms. Papua New Guinea’s hosting of APEC in 2018 will highlight its growing economic importance. Australia appreciates Papua New Guinea’s strong leadership in combating people smuggling in the region, including through implementation of the Regional Resettlement Arrangement. Through our aid program, we are proud to work alongside Papua New Guinea to create opportunities for private sector-led economic growth and to strengthen health, education and law and justice for the people of Papua New Guinea.

I convey my best wishes to the people of Papua New Guinea on their Independence Day.

Her Excellency Ms Deborah Stokes
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea