Port Moresby, Saturday, 3 May 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has conveyed warm congratulations to his Australian counterpart, Hon. Anthony Albanese, on his re election as Prime Minister of Australia, reaffirming the enduring bonds of friendship, cooperation and shared history between the two nations.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their successful return to government,” Prime Minister Marape said. “His re-election reflects the trust and confidence that the Australian people place in his leadership and his government’s direction. It is also a moment to reflect on the strength and maturity of Australian democracy, which continues to inspire the Pacific region.”
As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence in 2025, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the historic ties between the two countries—particularly the founding roles played by the Australian Labor Party and Papua New Guinea’s Pangu Pati.
“It is especially meaningful that Prime Minister Albanese leads the same political party—Australian Labor—that, under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Gough Whitlam,worked hand-in-hand with our own Pangu Pati government, led by the late Grand Chief SirMichael Somare, to secure Papua New Guinea’s peaceful transition to Independence in 1975. That shared legacy of principled leadership and mutual respect remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship today.
“As we commemorate our Golden Jubilee of Independence, the return of both Labor in Australia and Pangu in PNG to government is a powerful historical echo. It is a moment to celebrate how far our nations have come—and how deeply our destinies are intertwined.”
Prime Minister Marape commended Prime Minister Albanese for his unwavering commitment to the Pacific, especially his championing of Papua New Guinea’s development aspirations and regional leadership role. He welcomed the Albanese Government’s continued investment in priority sectors such as infrastructure, education, health, climate adaptation, digital transformation, and regional security.
“Prime Minister Albanese has demonstrated genuine interest in our progress as a nation— supporting investments in critical infrastructure like roads and ports, backing initiatives to strengthen education and health systems, and partnering with us to respond to climate change and natural disasters,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is the kind of partnership that is built on trust, mutual respect and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Pacific.”
He also praised Prime Minister Albanese’s leadership in expanding people-to-people ties, particularly through sport. “His strong and public support for Papua New Guinea’s bid to join the National Rugby League is a testament to his understanding of our national spirit,” Prime Minister Marape noted. “Rugby league is more than a game in PNG—it is part of our identity. His advocacy for PNG’s inclusion in the NRL has brought our nations closer together and given hope to thousands of aspiring athletes and fans across our country.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s enduring commitment to its relationship with Australia. “We look forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese and his government in this next chapter of our relationship, grounded in the proud traditions of partnership forged in 1975 and strengthened over five decades. Together, we will continue to work for a region that is peaceful, prosperous, democratic and united.”