HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases...Papua New Guinea National Day hide Papua New Guinea National Day Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State September 15, 2023 On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate your National Day on September 16. This year, the partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea reached new heights. We signed two foundational bilateral agreements—the Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations—that will guide us forward as we work together to promote prosperity, security, and stability in the region. It was an honor to travel to Port Moresby on behalf of President Biden to sign these agreements and see firsthand the strength of our bilateral relationship, which is rooted in shared values. The United States is unwavering in our commitment to partnering with Papua New Guinea to advance our mutual priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, improving transparency and good governance, and promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. I offer my best wishes to all Papua New Guineans as you commemorate this momentous occasion of your independence. Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Defense Office of the Spokesperson Papua New Guinea Regional Issues The Secretary of State Security Stabilization