By Amit Sarwal and Monika Singh
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Papua New Guinea and Australia “allies in prosperity,” using the PNG Investment Week Leaders Summit in Sydney to outline a new phase of partnership built on shared values, history and a rapidly expanding economic relationship.
Addressing business and government leaders from across the Pacific and beyond, Albanese said the forum was about “working together to find new pathways for investment and development” and strengthening a trade partnership that already brings billions into both economies.
He emphasised the close ties between the two nations, recalling his friendship with PNG Prime Minister James Marape. “We are the nearest of neighbours. We are the closest of friends. And with the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty – we are allies, too,” Albanese said.
“It formalises a deep and enduring truth: we are mates, we are equals.”
Quoting Marape, he added:
“Australia and PNG are equal partners – relating, coexisting, working side by side going forward into the future.”
Albanese highlighted the record $8.1 billion in goods traded between the two nations last financial year, noting PNG’s exports to Australia were “flourishing,” particularly high-quality vanilla, coffee and cocoa. “Australian markets are hungry for PNG’s exceptional produce,” he said.
He outlined major infrastructure projects including upgrading 47 kilometres of the Wau Highway in Morobe Province, a commitment to seal the Kokoda Highway, and more than $600 million to upgrade five critical ports across PNG.
“All of these projects are about backing local jobs, construction and supply chains,” Albanese said.
“The benefits flow straight back into PNG.”
The prime minister also stressed investment in people, education, skills, healthcare, and resilient energy and communications. “These are the building blocks for stronger communities and better lives,” he said. “They are investments in a more dynamic, more productive and more prosperous economy.”
Albanese pointed to the anticipated entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL as another driver of economic growth. “It’s about furthering the love of the game and backing PNG to flourish, grasping with both hands the investment that flows with elite sport,” he said.
He welcomed Qantas’ announcement that direct flights between Sydney and Port Moresby will resume in March, calling it “part of embracing a country which has given so much to rugby league.”
He urged participants to view the summit as another step in strengthening the Pacific family. “Our prosperity belongs to both our peoples—and so does our mateship,” he said. Quoting Marape once more, Albanese concluded:
“Papua New Guinea and Australia are two houses, with one fence. And we all benefit from a neighbourhood that is more peaceful, more stable and more prosperous.”
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