MARAPE HONOURS MELANESIAN SOLIDARITY AT VANUATU’S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape today joined Pacific and regional leaders to celebrate Vanuatu’s historic 46th Independence Anniversary. 

Marape stood alongside Vanuatu Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, President Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, and the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu, to commemorate the milestone event.

In a significant moment of regional appreciation, Prime Minister Marape was presented with an award acknowledging PNG’s long-term partnership.

Governor Byron Chan was also presented with an award honoring his father, Sir Julius Chan, for his historic and decisive role in assisting Vanuatu during its independence struggle in 1980.

Marape himself had highlighted the special bond between PNG and Vanuatu when he spoke at the welcome dinner on Wednesday evening after shortly after his arrival.

“Forty-six years ago, a courageous contingent of the PNG Defence Force left Port Moresby to help restore peace, laying the very foundation for Vanuatu’s independence on 30 July 1980,” Marape said.

“Since that pivotal moment, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have remained inseparable brothers. We are deeply honored to stand with you on this momentous milestone as you march toward your golden jubilee in four years’ time.”

Today Prime Minister Marape convenes in a high-level bilateral meeting with Napat and Ramos-Horta to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.

Following the flag raising, Napat delivered an hourlong, comprehensive national address before the VIP dignitaries were driven out at the conclusion of the morning segment.

The deep and enduring historical bond between Papua New Guinea and

Vanuatu remained a core focus of the celebration. During the event, the Master of Ceremonies recounted the history of 1980, emphasizing the crucial hand PNG played in securing Vanuatu’s freedom from colonial rule.

In his official national address, Napat extended his country’s profound gratitude to Papua New Guinea for its foundational and ongoing support.

“Our relationship with Papua New Guinea is a relationship between a Melanesian partner and sister,” Napat stated. 

“We remember with gratitude the unconditional intervention during the early days of our Independence, and now a longstanding relationship through the Kumul Highway here in the capital. Our friendship is a symbol of what Melanesian solidarity can achieve.”