Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary

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Overview

Published on September 14, 2026, the statement features a message from Erika Hasznos, the European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, marking PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary and reflecting on 49 years of diplomatic representation and cooperation.

Key Highlights

Diplomatic & Geopolitical Ties:
- Emphasizes shared commitments to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a rules-based multilateral order.
- Expresses gratitude for PNG’s consistent solidarity against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Trade and Economic Cooperation:
- Highlights that PNG has enjoyed duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market since 2009, making the EU (27 member states) PNG's fourth-largest export destination.
- Notes the success of the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum held in Port Moresby in June 2026, which brought together over 350 public and private sector representatives.
Sustainable Livelihoods & Agriculture:
- Focuses on developing sustainable value chains, particularly cocoa production from East and West Sepik through to processing and manufacturing in Port Moresby.
Environment, Forestry & Education:
- Under the EU-Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) program (valued at K216 million), the EU is supporting conservation and sustainable forest management.
- Provides scholarships for 40 Papua New Guinean science students to complete Master's degrees locally.
Infrastructure via the "Global Gateway":
- Rabaul Port: Redeveloping Rabaul into the Pacific region's first "Green Port."
- Renewable Energy: Deploying clean energy generation projects in Wewak and Kavieng.
- Water Access: Expanding clean water infrastructure across Port Moresby and district towns.
Human Rights & Good Governance:
- Ongoing assistance to strengthen domestic human rights institutions, improve public accountability, and protect individuals affected by gender-based violence and sorcery-accusation-related violence.