Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese has highlighted Australia’s deep friendship and growing economic partnership with Papua New Guinea, declaring the two countries “mates, equals and allies” during a landmark address at the PNG Investment Week 2025 Leaders’ Summit in Sydney today.
Speaking before business leaders, government officials and international investors, PM Albanese highlighted the unprecedented closeness between the two national leaders and their governments — noting that no pair of Australian and PNG prime ministers have met more frequently than himself and Prime Minister James Marape.
“That represents progress — progress that is in the interests of Australia, but also very much in the interests of Papua New Guinea,” PM Albanese said, extending a warm welcome to delegates from across the Pacific and around the world.
PM Albanese reflected on major milestones the two leaders have shared — from addressing each other’s Parliaments, to commemorating ANZAC Day at Isurava, and trekking the Kokoda Track together.
“We are, of course, the nearest of neighbours… and with the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty, we are allies too,” he said.“It formalises a deep and enduring truth — we are mates. We are equals.”
He emphasised that this new security alliance — only Australia’s third in history — recognises that Pacific security must be led from within the Pacific family.
PM Albanese unveiled the scale of growing trade ties, pointing to a record $8.1 billion in two-way goods trade in 2024–25. He celebrated the expansion of PNG agricultural exports— including coffee, cocoa and vanilla — backed by strengthened biosecurity and infrastructure links.
“Australian markets are hungry for PNG’s exceptional produce,” he noted.
Key economic initiatives highlighted include:
• Upgrading 47km of the Wau Highway in Morobe to support rural commerce
• Joint redevelopment of the Kokoda Highway to honour shared history while unlocking new economic routes
• More than $600 million to upgrade five major ports across PNG, improving sea trade for a nation of 600 islands
• Continued investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and agriculture
“These projects ensure the benefits of development flow straight back into PNG, strengthening its status as an essential economic partner in the Pacific,” PM Albanese said.
The Australian leader praised initiatives building PNG’s skills, education pathways, health services, digital infrastructure and renewable energy systems, calling human capital “PNG’s greatest resource”.
He also celebrated the progress toward a PNG NRL franchise — the PNG Chiefs — saying elite sports investment would unlock massive benefits in tourism, infrastructure and youth development.
“When young Papua New Guineans see a pathway into the NRL — they are encouraged to stay in school, to train, to pursue big dreams,” he said.
PM Albanese welcomed the announcement that direct Qantas flights between Sydney and Port Moresby will resume in March 2026, boosting tourism, business travel and family connections.
“At the end of the day, business-to-business relations are important, government-to-government relations are important — but nothing beats people-to-people,” he said.
PM Albanese urged investors to embrace the summit’s mission: building a Pacific region that protects sovereignty, strengthens democracy, and expands prosperity.
“Papua New Guinea and Australia are two houses with one fence,” he said, echoing PM Marape’s earlier words. “We all benefit from a neighbourhood that is more peaceful, more stable and more prosperous.”
He concluded by wishing delegates success in unlocking new opportunities that serve both nations and honour their shared future.“I wish you all the very best for this important Investment Week 2025,” PM Albanese said. “Thank you so much.”
Prime Minister Marape then took to the stage to applause as the next keynote speaker of the day.