Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the strong and enduring partnership between PNG and Australia as the two nations marked the launch of Australia’s “Yumi Stap Wantaim” campaign, a year-long celebration commemorating PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Speaking at the official ceremony Wednesday, PM Marape described the campaign as a timely initiative that not only reflects on the shared history of the two countries but also underscores the maturity and strength of their bilateral relationship. “It is indeed fitting that this campaign is titled ‘Yumi Stap Wantaim’, ‘We Are Together,’ a sentiment that truly captures the essence of the PNG–Australia relationship,” he said.
Marape paid tribute to the many historical milestones shared by both nations, from Australia’s administrative stewardship before PNG’s independence in 1975, to its continuous support in nation-building over the last five decades.
“Australia has walked with us from the days of being our administrator, to being our development partner, and today, a close friend and strategic ally,” he stated.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for Australia’s enduring assistance across various sectors including health, education, infrastructure, and law and justice.
He cited Australia’s vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, reinforcing the depth of the relationship.
Marape also emphasised the importance of mutual respect and shared values as the foundation for future cooperation, noting that PNG seeks to be seen not just as a recipient of aid but as a partner in regional peace, prosperity, and stability.
“Our friendship has matured. We now speak as equals and partners in our region and in the world,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister called for increased collaboration in trade, investment, climate resilience, and people-to-people ties, highlighting that both countries are stronger when they work together.
As PNG prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee of independence in 2025, the “Yumi Stap Wantaim” campaign aims to engage communities across both nations through cultural, educational, and diplomatic events that honour the past and look to a shared future.
“Let us walk the next 50 years with even greater resolve, working hand-in-hand for a better future for our peoples,” Marape said
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald highlighted the symbolic importance of Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence, describing it as a moment to reflect on the shared history and the vibrant, evolving partnership between the nations.
“This campaign is not just a celebration, it’s a tribute to the resilience, vitality, and unwavering spirit of the Papua New Guinean people,” McDonald said.
“It honours the deep bonds between our nations and our peoples—side-by-side, step-by-step.”
The campaign, themed “Yumi Stap Wantaim” (We Are Together), will run from May to September and include a range of events such as music festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, academic exchanges, and sporting engagements. These activities will span across defence, security, economic, and development sectors.
McDonald acknowledged the significance of historical milestones in the bilateral relationship, including Prime Minister James Marape’s address to the Australian Parliament in 2024, the first by a Pacific leader, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s reciprocal address to PNG’s Parliament in 2023.
He also celebrated the upcoming inclusion of a PNG team in the NRL by 2028 as a milestone in contemporary people-to-people ties.
“I’ve decided that in 2028, I will change my allegiance from the Melbourne Storm to PNG,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
The High Commissioner praised the leadership of former Australian and PNG Prime Ministers Gough Whitlam and Sir Michael Somare, crediting their personal rapport for laying the foundation of independence in 1975. He acknowledged members of the Somare family who were present at the event.
Australia, McDonald reiterated, continues to be PNG’s closest development partner, supporting infrastructure, telecommunications, port upgrades, and security.
He highlighted recent advancements including PNG’s role in hosting a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre—the first country outside Australia and the U.S to do so—and the growing interoperability of the two nations’ defence forces.
In his dual role as Special Envoy for the Pacific, McDonald said he looks forward to working closely with PNG in promoting stability, prosperity, and resilience in the Blue Pacific region.
“Across all areas, we’re working in partnership together as equal partners,” he said.
