Marape to address Australia parliament on Feb 8

Prime Minister James Marape will address the Australian Parliament on Feb 8, 2024.
The announcement was made by Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference held outside the Australian Parliament in Canberra, following the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Marape on Thursday.
“I thank the Australian parliament, through Prime Minister Albanese, for inviting me to address its parliament on Feb 8, 2024,” Marape said.
“This is a momentous occasion for Papua New Guinea, marking the first time a PNG prime minister has been invited to address the Australian Parliament.
“It is a great honour as we approach the 50th anniversary of our independence from Australia in 2025.
“What makes this occasion even more special is the historical connection between our nations. Fifty years ago, the Australian Labour Party, led by then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, played a pivotal role in granting self-government to Papua New Guinea under the Pangu Pati-led government, led by Chief Minister Sir Michael Somare.
“Self-government eventually paved the way for Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975. Now, with the Australian Labour Party back in government and Pangu Pati in PNG, I, as prime minister and party leader, am honoured to be invited.”
Albanese, addressing the press, highlighted the significance of this event. He noted that Prime Minister Marape will be the first overseas leader to address the Australian Parliament since Indonesian President Joko Widodo in 2020.
This invitation reciprocates the honour Australia received in January 2023 when Prime Minister Albanese became the first foreign leader to address the Papua New Guinea Parliament.