Australia and PNG are 'close in every sense of the word': Albanese

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called it a "great pleasure" to welcome Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to Australia's parliament.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Australia, it is a great pleasure to so warmly welcome you to the heart of our democracy,” Mr Albanese said.

“You are the first leader of another nation to address us in this chamber since 2020 and the first leader of a Pacific Island nation to address the Australian parliament ever.

“It is fitting that such an honour belongs to Papua New Guinea – Australia and Papua New Guinea are close in every sense of the word.

“We are the nearest of neighbours, the most steadfast and trusted of partners, and the very oldest of friends.”