EU SUPPORTS PAPUA NEW GUINEA JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has welcomed the 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, this 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 partnerships and review opportunities to deepen them this year, which marks Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.

The European Union established its embassy in Port Moresby in 1977 and began the diplomatic relationship soon after.

Minister Tkatchenko, while acknowledging the European Union’s support, said the most important thing of how things get done is through 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 looked 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 next week.

Minister Tkatchenko said that invitations had been sent out to the Pacific Island leaders, and most of them will attend.

His Excellency Ambassador Jacques Fradin confirmed that this year marks the European Union’s 48 years of diplomatic relationship with Papua New Guinea, and they will support the Jubilee year as they mark European Day on May 9th, 2025.

Ambassador Jacques Fradin said that the EU intends to organise some events that will be capitalised on May 9th.