Australian PM arrives in PNG for 50th anniversary celebrations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Papua New Guinea to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.  Mr Albanese will join his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape, Pacific leaders and other dignitaries for a state dinner. 

He will also take part in a flag raising ceremony on independence hill on Tuesday. During his visit, Australia and Papua New Guinea will also sign a landmark defense treaty, which will join military forces. The deal will allow both defense forces to recruit citizens from each other’s country, providing a pathway for citizenship. It’s hoped the partnership will transform the relationship between the two nations while sending a message of unity to the wider pacific.