PNG SUN

25/06/2025

While standing in solidarity with Israel, PNG Prime Minister James Marape calls for peace to prevail from the Iranian-Israeli conflict.

Highlighting his country's position on the conflict, PM Marape calls on nations in the Middle East to respect Israeli sovereignty and territorial integrity which is crucial for lasting peace and prosperity in the region.

Papua New Guinea is one of the five countries which has embassy in Jerusalem. The other four are the United States of America, Honduras, Kosovo and Guatemala. Israeli capital Tel Aviv hosts the embassies of the other nations.

PM Marape also announced his government's strategy to cushion the conflict's negative impacts onshore-surge in oil prices and souring inflation.

25/06/2025

Papua New Guinea Government has intervened with Fijian $5 million for its over 100 students attending the University of South Pacific in Fiji, Prime Minister James Marape announced on Tuesday evening in Port Moresby.

This significant intervention will help reduce higher cost of international school fee components the students endured for years.

25/06/2025

Highlighting the outcomes of the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting which he attended in Fiji's Suva days ago, PNG Prime Minister James Marape clarified the collective leaders and PNG's position on the West Papua Independence Movement:

PM Marape was briefing local media on Monday evening upon his arrival at Port Moresby's APEC Terminal.

Read more: https://www.thepngsun.com/png-reaffirms-support-for.../

24/06/2025

Last Friday was a day of peace and healing after a tragic incident at Waigani Market, which resulted in the loss of five lives.

The incident involved members of the Enga and Goilala communities living around the area.

Taking the important step of bringing together leaders and representatives from both the Enga and Goilala communities, NCD Governor Powes Parkop showed his respect for both communities by giving K30,000 in total—K20,000 to the Goilala and K10,000 to the Enga community.

Enga businessman, Alo Kiap also stepped forward to represent the Enga community.

He brought K20,000 in cash along with K10,000 worth of pigs and Coca-Cola. This generous gesture demonstrated the Enga way of solving problems and promoting peace with the Goilala community.

The peace negotiation ceremony was held at Unagi Field in the presence of acting Assistant Police Commissioner for NCD/Central Command, Benjamin Turi, newly-appointed NCD Metropolitan superintendent Warrick Simatab, and many other members of the public.

24/06/2025

By Theodro Psalmson| PNG SUN|

In a thrilling and physical encounter at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, the ENB Agmark Rabaul Gurias overcame the Porgera Enga Mioks with a 24–16 win in Round 11 of the Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup 2025 Season.

The match began with strong momentum from the Mioks. Just 10 minutes into the first half, Mioks ho**er Dobby Michael broke through the defence and scored the opening try, giving the Mioks an early 6–0 lead after a successful conversion.

However, the Gurias responded strongly. With 16 minutes left before halftime, right winger Myles Banam scored a crucial try on the edge. The successful conversion brought the scores level at 6–6.

A mistake from the Mioks forwards near their own 20-metre line resulted in a penalty. The Gurias took advantage, kicking a penalty goal to take the lead 8–6.

Moreover, continued pressure from the Gurias' forwards created more opportunities. Emil Benjamin, the right centre, broke through the Mioks' defence to score another try. Although the conversion was missed by Konnie Bernard, the Gurias went into halftime leading 12–6.

In the second half, the Gurias kept their momentum. At the 28th minute, halfback Konnie Bernard delivered a clever pass to big forward Himson Ulalom, who powered through to score under the posts. With a successful conversion, the Gurias extended their lead to 18–6.

However, the Mioks fought back. A strong play from halfback Victor Ruing set up a try for left centre Junior James. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, and the Mioks trailed 18–10.

The Gurias were not done yet. Forward Mek Karap scored another try, increasing the Gurias’ score to 24–10.

In the final seven minutes, Mioks winger Joel James scored a stunning try in the far-right corner. This time, the conversion was successful, narrowing the gap to 24–16. However, it was not enough to change the result.

Speaking to PNG SUN after the match, Agmark Gurias coach Wartovo Puara Jr. expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance

“We were expecting a win, and the boys delivered exactly that,” he said. “I’m always confident in my team. Whether we win or lose, we play together and always give our best. Today, the win was on our side.”

Looking ahead to Round 12 against the Lae Snax Tigers, Coach Puara added:

“Every team has different game plans. Therefore, we’re preparing to play our usual style of footy and keep improving.”

Meanwhile, Porgera Enga Mioks captain Junior Talin thanked the fans for their support and acknowledged the strong performance from the Gurias.

"In rugby, one team wins and the other loses. Today, we were defeated, but tomorrow could be ours. We’ll work hard on the areas that need improvement and come back stronger,” captain Talin told PNG SUN.

24/06/2025

Celebrating India-PNG Relations on India Day: A Message of Peace, Solidarity, and Shared Growth

The vibrant celebration of India Day, coinciding with International Yoga Day, brought together leaders, diplomats, and citizens to honour the enduring partnership between India and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This marked the closure of the Asia and Pacific Story, events leading to PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary on 16th September, 2025.

In a media statement, NCD Governor Powes Parkop emphasized the importance of deepening regional connections across Asia, the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

“In a world facing multiple crises, it is vital that we strengthen our relationships,” Governor Parkop said.
“Indian culture is rooted in peace. Let us come together to build a just, fair, and peaceful world.”

He praised the Indian community's contributions to PNG’s development in sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and business, singling out individuals like Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma and Omprakash Seshadri as symbols of shared progress.

“This celebration reflects not just cultural richness, but a shared journey of development and unity,” he added.

Governor Parkop underscored PNG’s strategic role in connecting the broader Asia-Pacific region and called for stronger people-to-people ties that foster economic empowerment and regional solidarity.

“Together, we must harness our partnership to build bridges that span cultures and continents—toward peace and prosperity.”

Indian High Commission Charge D’Affaires, Mr Mukesh Kumar, and West New Britain Governor, Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the enduring bilateral relationship based on democracy, mutual respect, and shared values.

Governor Muthuvel paid tribute to the Indian community’s support in education, health, and disaster response, while Sharma reminded the crowd that “PNG is our second motherland.”

India Day 2025 was a resounding success, marked by dance performances, cultural exchange, and renewed commitment to collaboration between two vibrant democracies.

As Governor Parkop concluded: “Let this golden jubilee be a time not just for celebration, but for building lasting peace and equitable partnerships for a better future.”

He thanked everyone including the Asian and Pacific communities, Australia and New Zealand communities, the locals, the Amazing Port Moresby team for a job well done and the national government and municipal government for their support towards the event.

Meanwhile, the public is invited to Sir Hubert Murray this coming Saturday June 28th, 2025, for the Meganesia concert featuring Anslom, Saii Kay, Ton Ton Malele, Kalit, Mal Meninga Kuri and member of Yothu Yindi, Airileke Ingram. This concert is supported by the Australian High Commission, National Capital District Commission and Amazing Port Moresby 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

24/06/2025

PNG NRL FRANCHISE’S INAUGURAL BOARD ANNOUNCED

Image: NRL

24/06/2025

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's busiest oil shipping channel. Twenty percent of the world's oil and gas flow through it, CGTNEurope reports.

A choke point that connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, the Strait’s narrowest point is only 33 kilometers wide.

Iran's state media has reported that parliament has approved plans to close the Strait in retaliation to U.S. strikes on the country's nuclear sites. The world now awaits Iran’s Supreme National Security Council giving its final decision on whether to follow through with this plan.

So what will it mean if this plan goes ahead?

24/06/2025

A woman and 12 men have escaped from the Kundiawa police cell. Police say most of them were facing serious criminal charges.

Simbu Police Boss PPC Mazuc Rubiang confirmed the escape in a media statement yesterday.

Read more: (https://www.thepngsun.com/mass-escape-from-kundiawa-police-cells-woman-among-12-men-on-the-run/)

23/06/2025

https://youtu.be/Z3fgLOLU8AQ

Trump's full speech on the recent U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear sites

23/06/2025

BODIES OF THREE HOSTAGES RECOVERED

The Israeli Defence Force says the bodies of SSGT Shay Levinson, Yonatan Samerano and Ofra Keidar, who were held hostage for 625 days in Gaza, have been recovered in a joint IDF and ISA military operation.

May their memories be a blessing, it said.

23/06/2025

Papua New Guinea has restated its support for collective dialogues on 'sensitive issues' of West Papua 'question' and New Caledonia's self-determination.

Speaking during this meeting, Prime Minister James Marape made this clear at the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Fiji.

Read more: (https://www.thepngsun.com/png-reaffirms-support-for-collective-dialogue-on-sensitive-new-caledonia-and-west-papua-issues/)