By GEORGINA MICHAEL
NEW Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his delegation arrived late yesterday for a brief State visit to Papua New Guinea.
They were welcomed at the Jackson’s International Airport by PNG Deputy Prime Minister John R0sso, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
Mr Luxon was then escorted by PNG Defence Force Commander, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara to inspect a guard of honor before proceeding to the official State dinner at APEC Haus hosted by Prime Minister James Marape. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa and other Ministers also attended the dinner.
In his welcome remarks, PM Marape said: “I want to firstly acknowledge my dear friend, the Right Honorable Christopher Luxon, thank you for coming to be with us here in Port Moresby.
“This is an important milestone year of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand has been an important, foundational friend. NZ walked with us every step of the way since 1975 in our up moments and in our down moments. New Zealand has been part of the good family of bilateral partners we’ve had in as far as Papua New Guinea is concerned, every step of the way. No friend has abandoned us and New Zealand had been amongst the closest of the closest friends PNG has.”
PM Luxon responded: “It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to be with you in Port Moresby.”
“New Zealand was just one of eight nations that recognised Papua New Guinea on the day of your birth as an independent state, alongside Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, the United States and the United Kingdom.
“And at that time, New Zealand already had an office established here, and this became the High Commission that continues to this day.
My visit, while timed to honor this 50th year of your independence in 43 days’ time, also marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two great Pacific states.”
PM Luxon’s program today includes addressing the National Parliament, and visiting the New Zealand High Commission, PNGDF Goldie Training Depot and Port Moresby General Hospital. He will also visit New Zealand government funded projects and hold bilateral talks with PM Marape. He will be guest of honor at the 50th Anniversary Reception at the New Zealand High Commission in Waigani.
On Wednesday, PM Luxon will have breakfast PM Marape and DPM Rosso and later attend a function for recipients of the New Zealand Economic Development Support assistance program. The New Zealand delegation will depart PNG at noon tomorrow.