Leaders from Pacific Island countries this morning (14.09.25) joined Prime Minister Hon. James Marape in a tree-planting ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Independence of Papua New Guinea.

The tree planting was done in the gardens of the National Parliament by leaders from the Cook Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Niue, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister Marape – supported by his wife, Mrs Rachael Marape – led the tree planting ceremony. Also planting a tree was the Prime Minister of Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown and his spouse; President of the Federated State of Micronesia, His Excellency Wesley Simina and his spouse; Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi; Prime Minister of Tuvalu Hon. Feleti Teo and his spouse; and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Solomon Islands, Hon. Ped Shanel Agovaka representing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele who arrives later today.

The particular variety of the pine tree planted, called the Aleppo Pine, is a hardwood and was brought over from Bulolo Forest College in Morobe Province for use because of its durability to reach over a 100 years life. The trees will serve as a lasting tribute to PNG’s journey since 1975, and marks the attendance of these Pacific regional leaders at PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

More regional leaders are expected to travel in today and tomorrow in time for Tuesday, 16th September 2025. President of Palau, His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr. will arrive in the country tomorrow, Monday 15 September; Vice President of Indonesia, Hon. Gibran Rakabuming Raka; Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Richard Marles; and the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Hon. David Seymour and Foreign Minister Hon. Winston Peters have also confirmed their attendance.

China, the United States, Japan, Israel and bilateral partner countries that PNG has strong ties with are also sending their special envoys and government representatives for the occasion.

The grounds area of Parliament where the trees are planted, to be named the Golden Jubilee Park, is being developed into a botanical garden showcasing PNG’s endemic plant species to signify PNG’s position as the host of up to 7 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The garden will become another feature of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.