MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia and Papua New Guinea’s prime ministers on Tuesday began trekking into the South Pacific island nation’s mountainous interior to commemorate a pivotal World War II campaign and to underscore their current security alliance, which faces challenges from China’s growing regional influence.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received an elaborate traditional welcome when he arrived by helicopter at Kokoda Village with his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape.
The pair will walk 15 kilometers (9 miles) over two days along the rugged Kokoda Track where the Japanese army’s advance toward what is now the national capital, Port Moresby, was halted in 1942 in the wilds of the Owen Stanley Range.
“In forging a relationship of brothers and sisters, together as one we will go forward,” Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp. as the pair set off from the village in tropical heat and humidity.
A Palestinian baby in Gaza is born an orphan in an urgent cesarean section after an Israeli strike
China has 1.27 million registered drones in 2023
Chinese companies set new digging record in tunnelling projects in Nepal
Villagers rehearse dragon and lion dance in Andi Village, Shanxi
NASCAR revels in an M.J. moment. His Airness gives a big boost to his posthoops passion
Staff members arrange lanterns to decorate street for upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year
In pics: women wearing Burang clothes in Tibet
Consumer expo to display more new items
Foundation to convene 3rd annual summit on anti
Palestinian artist reveals violence against women in Gaza through paintings
Stalker bodybuilder, 32, is branded a monster by his girlfriend after he smashed up her house
In pics: ruins of Subax buddhist temple in Xinjiang