Albanese Leads Kokoda Track Trek in Advance of Anzac Day

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will walk the Kokoda Track ahead of Anzac Day commemorations during a visit to Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Albanese will walk the track alongside Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, before taking part in a dawn service.

The trip, more than 80 years after troops fought along the rugged track to defend against a Japanese invasion, comes as Australia seeks closer ties with its closest neighbour.

The prime minister said the visit would honor the sacrifice of Australians who fought in the campaign.

“This year on Anzac Day I will be in Isurava on the Kokoda Track … taking the opportunity to show my respect to the remarkable effort to protect our nation at one of its darkest hours,” he said in a speech in Sydney on April 12.

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“We will gather to remember all who have served and all who serve now, we will remember all who lost their lives, all who survived and came home.”

Mr. Albanese is set to be the first sitting prime minister to walk the famous track.

Kevin Rudd walked the Kokoda Track in 2006 while he was opposition leader as part of an appearance on Seven’s Sunrise program, while former prime minister Scott Morrison also hiked the track in 2009 during his time as a backbench MP.

The visit to Papua New Guinea comes after Mr. Albanese became the first Australian leader to address that country’s parliament.

Mr. Marape also gave a speech to federal parliament in February.