Japan hopes for 'i vigorous
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trade growth ' with PNG
Messages of congratulation and goodwill poured into Papua New Guinea from all parts of the world as the country became independent. Some national leaders, in PNG for the ceremonies and celebrations, also passed on goodwill messages.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, in a message to Mr Somare, said PNG was a young country with much to look forward to. She was fortunate to have great potential in human and material re sources. Her people had a record of notable achievements in recent years, and faced exciting challenges ahead.
“On this day, we extend to you, your colleagues and all the people of your country, our congratulations on Papua New Guinea taking her place as a sovereign independent state and partner in the Commonwealth, and our sincere best wishes for the future,” he said.
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Prime Minister of Fiji, in a message to Mr Somare said PNG and Fiji had many similar experiences and common in terests, and it was in their interests to work together. It would be an ad vantage to face the challenge of national development and involvement in regional and world affairs together.
“As we endeavour to realise our full national potential for the im provement of the standard and quality of life of our people, and as partners in the South Pacific, in the Common wealth and in the wider international community, we look forward to the further strengthening of our friend ship and co-operation in the years ahead,” Ratu Sir Kamisese said.
Mr James Callaghan, British Foreign and Commonwealth Secre tary, in a message to Sir Maori Kiki, Minister for Foreign Relations, said he looked forward to a new associa tion as PNG was now a member of the Commonwealth.
Mr E. G. Whitlam, the Australian Prime Minister, in a radio message said Australians regarded Papua New Guineans as brothers, valued neigh bours and lasting friends. Indepen dence signalled the end of a special kind of association between the two peoples.
“But there are certain things which will not come to an end.” He said: —“The friendship between us, the trust and confidence between us, the support that Australia has given you and will continue to give, the good will that our peoples have shared and will continue to share. We wish you peace and prosperity in the years ahead.”
President Marcos, of the Philip pines, through the Filipino Envoy, Mr Modesto Farolan, said the Philippines would do all in its power to lend co-operation and assistance to PNG.
He extended greetings to the people, and wished them success in discharg ing the heavy responsibilities of free dom and independence, and congratu lated them on their achievements.
Mr Salim Ahmed Salim, of Tan zania, the chairman of the United Nations Committee of 24 (the de colonisation committee) sent a letter
of congratulation, saying the inde pendence ceremonies signified the cul mination of untiring endeavours and the irrevocable determination of the people of PNG to secure their free dom and independence.
Colonel Ignatius Acheampong, head of state in Ghana, sent this message: “The government and people of Ghana rejoice in the fact that the government and people of Papua New Guinea have been able to achieve their independence through constitu tional and democratic process,”
On the auspicious occasion of the independence of Papua New Guinea, 1 take great pleasure in offering my heart felt congratulations and best wishes to the people and Gov ernment of Papua New Guinea on behalf of the people and Government of Japan.
We sincerely welcome the birth of an independent Papua New Guinea, our neighbour and friend in the Asian and Pacific community. The achievement of sound nation hood by Papua New Guinea
introduces a new chapter into the history of our bilateral re lations, broadening the scope of co-operation in various fields. Indeed, the comple mentary character of the economies of our two countries assures a vigorous trade growth in the future, but I am no less confident that there will be a marked in crease in the cultural and per sonnel exchanges. Aware of the need to promote a wide range of interflow and to de velop diverse avenues of dialogue between the two nations, I will do my utmost to this end.
I highly commend the people of Papua New Guinea who, under the leadership of Prime Minister Michael Somare, have made remarkable strides to wards self-reliance and self determination. It is these worthy efforts that have today earned them a rightful place in the community of nations.
Convinced that a viable and stable Papua New Guinea will grow into a key cornerstone for the peace and progress of the Asia-Pacific Region, I wish the best of success in their endeavours for the building of the nation and for the advance ment of their welfare.
From the Japanese Foreign Minister,