FOREIGN Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko has welcomed European Union’s support for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations this year.
In a meeting with Ambassador of the European Union His Excellency Jacques Fradin last week, Minister Tkatchenko said all diplomatic partners have been invited to celebrate their relationship since the country’s independence 50 years ago.
Minister Tkatchenko’s meeting with Ambassador Jacques Fradin was to discuss bilateral, political and economic cooperation partners and review the opportunities to deepen it this year which marks Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.
European Union established its embassy in Port Moresby in 1977 and started the diplomatic relationship soon after.
Minister Tkatchenko while acknowledging the European Union support, said the most important thing of how things get done is people to people relationships with different countries to expose and understand the culture and system of government. He thanked the European Union for their support and look forward to working together to make European Day bigger and better this year.
Minister Tkatchenko confirmed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be attending the 50th Independence Anniversary which will be the first time in history.
He added that the announcement of the attendance by a member of the Royal Family would be made in the coming week.
Minister Tkatchenko said that invitations had been sent out to the Pacific Island leaders and most of them will come.
HE Ambassador Jacquis Fradin has confirmed that this year marks European Union’s 48 years of diplomatic relationship with PNG and they will support the Jubilee year as they mark European Day on May 9th, 2025.
Ambassador Jacques Fradin said that EU intends to do some events that will be capitalised through May 9th.
“We also are yet to confirm who will represent European Union to attend the 16th September Independence Anniversary celebrations.”
