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yesterday

PNG Marks 50 Years of Independence as Australia Moves to Deepen Security Ties

Canberra marked the milestone by moving toward a defence pact with Papua New Guinea, pledging support for a new ministerial wing at Parliament House.

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A man sits on the side of a garden bed in front of a mural depicting the Union Jack.
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Overview

  • Pacific leaders and dignitaries, including Australia’s Anthony Albanese and the Duke of Edinburgh, attended ceremonies in Port Moresby.
  • Events featured a flag raising, a Royal Australian Air Force flypast and a 50‑gun salute by the PNG Defence Force at Independence Hill.
  • Albanese announced Australian support to expand PNG’s Parliament, describing it as an investment in the country’s democracy and sovereignty.
  • The Australian leader framed a forthcoming security agreement as a landmark treaty intended to elevate the bilateral relationship.
  • Prime minister James Marape lauded national unity while acknowledging persistent poverty, service gaps and high rates of violence across the country.