Prime Minister James Marape expressed gratitude to the people and government of Australia for their continuous budget support to Papua New Guinea.
He said this during a meeting with Australian Treasurer, Hon. Jim Chalmers, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Canberra. Prime Minister Marape informed Treasurer Chalmers about the challenges posed by the depreciating value of the Kina against the US Dollar. Despite this, he assured that his government, acting responsibly, has tailored the 2024 budget to minimize the need for additional support, not only from Australia but also from other development partners.
Prime Minister Marape further advised Treasurer Chalmers that any future requests for budget support or loans would be directly communicated by PNG Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey.
When highlighting the enduring relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the deep-rooted connections that predate the nation’s Self-Government in 1973 and Independence in 1975. He noted the extensive people-to-people relations, exemplified by the recent Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league match and the significant presence of over 5000 Australian companies in Papua New Guinea.
Expressing gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the nation’s contributions to fostering good governance, economic resilience, and law and order in Papua New Guinea. He also praised Australia’s initiatives, such as study opportunities and labor mobility programmes, as vital elements in promoting people-to-people relations—a key factor in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
