Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on Papua New Guineans to take pride in the nation’s Ancient Cultural History after visiting the internationally renowned “Plumes of Paradise” Exhibition at the Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris during his Official Visit to France.

Prime Minister Marape said the Exhibition, which showcases thousands of Papua New Guinea Artefacts and Cultural Collections, highlighted the country’s rich Civilisation and Historical significance long before Independence in 1975. “We are not merely a Nation born in 1975. We are an Ancient people with a rich History and Cultural Identity that has fascinated the world for centuries,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister revealed that over 11,000 Papua New Guinea Artefacts are currently housed in the Jacques Chirac Museum, making it one of the largest PNG Cultural Collections anywhere in the world.

President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron personally accompanied Prime Minister Marape and First Lady Rachael Marape through the Exhibition for nearly two hours. Prime Minister Marape said he was deeply moved by the Global recognition given to Papua New Guinea’s Cultural Treasures, particularly the iconic Bird of Paradise. “Our Bird of Paradise has been admired internationally since the 1700s and 1800s. To see it honoured in one of Europe’s great Museums was very emotional and inspiring,” he said. The Prime Minister noted that the Museum receives approximately 1.5 million Visitors annually, with Papua New Guinea’s Collection attracting significant Global interest.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, is now working to strengthen Ties with more than 150 Museums and Institutions worldwide that house Papua New Guinea Collections. “We want the World to know the story of Papua New Guinea — our History, our Culture, our People, and our journey as one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism Promotion remain important components of the Government’s broader Strategy to elevate Papua New Guinea’s international standing and create opportunities in Tourism, Arts, and Heritage industries.