Goodwill messages from September 16th, 1975

Messages from many lands expressed goodwill towards, and recognition of, the new nation of Papua New Guinea. Selections and excerpts are presented below:

CANADA

"On behalf of all Canadians, I am pleased to extend to you and to the people of Papua New Guinea our congratulations and very best wishes on attaining independence……”......................

Gules Leger
Governor-General of Canada

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

"........... We are pleased to see Papua New Guinea taking her place in the community of independent Nations and we send all our good wishes of prosperity and happiness to the people of Papua New Guinea."

JAPAN

"I have the honour to inform your excellency that the Government of Japan recognises Papua New Guinea as of 16th September, 1975. The Government and people of Japan offer their heartfelt felicitations to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on its independence ……”

Takeo Miki
Prime Minister of Japan

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

"We fully share the immense joy of the people of Papua New Guinea on that historic day, marking the birth of an independent and sovereign Nation and State of Papua New Guinea. Such joy is also shared by the 130 million Indonesian people. On this auspicious occasion therefore, I would like to convey the fraternal greetings of the people of Indonesia to the people of Papua New Guinea ……”

Soeharto,General
President

REPUBLIC OF NAURU

"……We peoples of the South Pacific especially look with pride and satisfaction on what has already been achieved in the establishment of your new nation. We are confident that, with God's help and with the leadership which your country has, that nation will grow in strength and unity amid peace……”

Hammer De Roburt
President

REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES

"……The people of the Philippines share with the people of Papua New Guinea their pride and joy on this historic occasion, which marks yet another milestone in the struggle for freedom of the peoples of the Western Pacific……”

F.R. Marcos
President of the Philippines


SOLOMON ISLANDS

“……We have admired the great scope of your celebrations and have been deeply impressed with the manner in which they conveyed the significance of the dawn of independence……”

Donald Luddington
Governor