Prime Minister Peter O’Neill today thanked the people of Port Moresby for ensuring that the Royal Visit by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, was a great success.
After bidding the Royal couple and their entourage farewell this afternoon, Mr O’Neill said he was happy that the Royal visit had been as successful and happy as the Government had hoped for.
“I express the government’s gratitude to the community, and in particular, all those who were involved in ensuring the visit turned out well.
“Their Royal Highnesses were greatly moved by the warmth of the welcome and the affection extended to Her Majesty and the Royal Family wherever they went. They left Papua New Guinea for Australia today with fond memories of their short stay in our nation,” he said.
Mr O’Neill extended his special ‘thank you’ to the school children who turned up so colourfully attired; the men, women and children who dressed up spectacularly in their traditional finery to welcome the Royal couple, and the people of Boera village, for helping to make the visit such a memorable one.
“I thank the members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Royal Visit Task Force, and all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of this event,” he said.
Mr O’Neill also congratulated the Minister responsible, Justin Tkatchenko for a job well done.
“I am advised that the Royal visit received extensive and highly favourable media coverage in Australia and in the United Kingdom. I thank everyone once again for the success of this event.
Approved for release!
PETER O’NEILL, CMG MP
Prime Minister
05 November 2012
