Australian PM Kokoda Track Visit Aims to Strengthen PNG Ties

Mr. Albanese will also use the trip to PNG to strengthen security ties in the face of increased Chinese activity and their growing influence in the Pacific.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape after signing the visitors book at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 8, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

In the lead up to ANZAC Day, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will this week walk the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea (PNG) the scene of a gruelling battle between Australian and Japanese forces in World War II.

Mr. Albanese said he was preparing to walk “in the footsteps of giants,” by hiking the 96 kilometre (60 miles) trail today and attending a dawn service on Thursday.