External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday extended greetings to Papua New Guinea on the occasion of its 50th Independence Day, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Greetings to FM Justin Tkatchenko, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea on the 50th anniversary of their Independence. Committed to further strengthening our Indo-Pacific cooperation,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita attended the celebrations in Port Moresby on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He witnessed the flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill and conveyed greetings from India.
“Honoured to be in Papua New Guinea to join the celebrations of their 50th anniversary of independence. On behalf of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the people of India, I extend warm felicitations to the Government & the people of Papua New Guinea,” Margherita posted on X.
During his visit, Margherita also called on Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. “Honoured to call on Hon’ble James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Conveyed warm greetings from PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the people of India on the occasion of PNG At 50. Both countries remain committed to deepening bilateral and people-to-people ties,” he said.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Margherita’s visit comes at the invitation of the Papua New Guinea government to represent Prime Minister Modi at the commemorative events marking the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary.
-ANI
