Caption: President Mukherjee delivers his speech.
Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion greets the Indian president as he disembarks on PNG soil.
By MATTHEW VARI
Sunday, May 1, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)
GOVERNOR General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Ogio echoed the shared journey both countries have taken when welcoming the President of the Republic of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
The head of state of the second most populous country in the world (1.3 billion people), touched down at the Jacksons International Airport on Thursday to a rousing welcome the host country, and attended the welcome banquet hosted by the country’s head of state.
The governor general hailed the historic visit as a milestone in bilateral relations between both countries with PNG the first to be visited in the region by a serving Indian President over his 5 day visit to the country and New Zealand.
“We are honoured that you have made Papua New Guinea the first stop of your visit to the pacific region.”
“India and Papua New Guinea enjoy close and friendly relations since we established formal diplomatic relations in 1976.”
“The linkage between our two countries goes back to the second world war, where Indian servicemen, some 615 brave sons who were part of the British army and allied forces, fought and died in Papua New Guinea,” Sir Ogio said.
He also elaborated on the shared commonalities in heritage and history both our countries share from being members of the Commonwealth, to institutions, laws, and similar practices.
“I am confident that the political, economic, and social linkages between India and Papua New Guinea will continue to grow and prosper in the years to come.”
“The establishment of Joint Ministerial Commission between our two countries in the near future will provide the avenue for our two governments for increased cooperation.”
“Papua new Guinea and india also interact closely on issues of mutual interest at various international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the Pacific Islands Forum/India Dialogue partners’ arrangement since 2003.”
He also thanked India of behalf of Pacific Island forum countries, as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, appreciation to the government of India for the initiative by Prime Minister Modi to leaders of the 14 Pacific Island Countries to forge and strengthen partnerships with them under the Forum for India and Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC).
In his address President Mukherjee thanked the country and its government for the historic journey to the beautiful country.
“It is a privilege for me to make this historic journey to Papua New Guinea- the first ever State Visit by an Indian President to this beautiful country,” the president said.
“Since we arrived, I have been struck by the splendor of Papua New Guinea’s pristine landscape -I have no doubt that I speak for them (his delegation) all when I say how deeply we have been touched by the graciousness of your hospitality and the friendship of your people.”
“We bring the good wishes of the people of India and a deep commitment to energizing our relationship.”
The president also spoke of the long historical connection that existed as early as the 8th century that the first Indians came into the country.
“It was as early as the 8th century AD that Indians first came to Papua. They were welcomed as friends, and over the centuries they have continued to travel here.”
“Many families have settled here, working shoulder to shoulder with Papuans for development and growth.”
“Today, the greater percentage of them are well educated professions and businessmen whose contribution has been valued and appreciated.”
“I take this opportunity to thank you and the successive generations of your people who have made them feel comfortable and secure in this land.”
President left the country on Friday night to begin a three day, first ever, visit by an Indian President to New Zealand also.
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