Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has completed a two-day trek of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, alongside PNG Prime Minister James Marape in commemoration of ANZAC Day

Kokoda

Prime Minister Marks Anzac Day on Kokoda Track

In a significant homage to history and a demonstration of the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Prime Minister participated in a moving Anzac Day ceremony along the famed Kokoda Track. The event took place at the Isarava memorial site, a location synonymous with the rigorous and devastating battles of World War II. More than 80 years since the Kokoda Track campaign, the act of laying the first wreaths by the leaders of Australia and PNG served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the bonds formed in the crucible of conflict.

The Kokoda Track campaign remains one of the fiercest battles in the history of World War II, where Australia lost 625 soldiers. The ceremony highlighted the shared commitment to peace and security in the Pacific region, underscoring the sacrifices made by those who fought on this very soil. Both leaders emphasized their dedication to ensuring that such sacrifices need not be made again, with a vision for a peaceful future for PNG, Australia, and the Pacific at large.

This Anzac Day was especially notable as the Prime Minister became the first incumbent to traverse part of the challenging Kokoda Trail, marking the completion of his two-day journey through its steep, muddy, and slippery terrains. Joined by Australians, including individuals like Calvin whose grandfather served in PNG, the Prime Minister sought to deepen the understanding of the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.

Despite the rugged expedition that began at dawn in the PNG jungle, the Prime Minister and participants also observed traditional Anzac Day commemorations down under, preserving the essence of this day of remembrance and the spirit of those who have served and sacrificed.



Australian Prime Minister's Kokoda pilgrimage

Dawn in the PNG jungle. Torch lit before the veil of nightfall is lifted on a battlefield etched into our shared history. My mates from Australia, this was grounds where my mates were forged. A bond stretching back more than 80 years, still just as strong today, symbolised by our two leaders laying the first wreaths at the Isarava memorial site. One of the fiercest battles of World War II was fought here during the Kokoda Track campaign, fighting which claimed a total 625 Australian lives. We gather today on ground made hallowed by Australian sacrifice. Sacrifice neither leader once made again. We want to preserve PNG, Australia and the Pacific as a peaceful part of planet Earth. The annual ANZAC ceremony marks the completion of the Prime Minister's two day trek through the steep, muddy and slippery Kokoda Trail. He's the first to complete part of it while in office and Mr Albanese has done it alongside Australians like Calvin, whose grandfather served in PNG. I didn't realise how tough it was for them. A tough trek as the Prime Minister tries to capture a long standing diplomatic relationship in a geopolitical environment almost as treacherous as the track itself. And despite beginning the day at dawn in the jungle, there was still time to commemorate ANZAC Day the traditional way back down under. Lucy Gray for 10 News First.

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