On June 13 (local time), Sergei Tolchenov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Indonesia and concurrently accredited to Papua New Guinea, presented his letter of credentials to the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae, at Government House in Port Moresby, officially marking the start of his tenure.
Ambassador Tolchenov arrived in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday this week and is scheduled to depart on Saturday. He was accompanied by Mr. Alexey Rykov, Counsellor for Political Affairs at the Russian Embassy in Indonesia.
This visit marks Ambassador Tolchenov’s first trip to Papua New Guinea since assuming his post as Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia and concurrently to PNG. Upon arrival at Government House, he was welcomed with a guard of honour by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, followed by a brief and formal bilateral meeting with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.
In the afternoon, Ambassador Tolchenov also met with Acting Prime Minister John Rosso. The two held in-depth discussions on trade, business, education, and other areas of mutual interest.
“It is a great honour for me to present my credentials to Your Excellency, which officially confirms my status as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea,” Tolchenov said during the ceremony.
He noted that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, they share a profound and unique historical connection. In particular, he mentioned the renowned Russian scientist, humanist, traveler, and public figure Nikolai Miklukho-Maklay, who embarked on a legendary journey to the northeastern coast of the Island of New Guinea—now the Maclay Coast in Madang Province—in 1871.
“He was among the first to advocate for the rights and independence of the Papuan people. I hope that through Miklukho-Maklay’s legacy, Russia is still remembered in Papua New Guinea,” said Tolchenov.
He further pointed out that diplomatic relations between the former Soviet Union (the legal predecessor of the Russian Federation) and Papua New Guinea were officially established in May 1976.
“My country was one of the first states to recognize Papua New Guinea after it gained independence. Between 1990 and 1992, the Embassy of the USSR and subsequently Russia operated in Port Moresby,” he said.
“Today, Russia is committed to strengthening ties with the countries of the Global Majority, and Papua New Guinea is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and distinctive nations of the Global South,” Tolchenov added.
This visit is seen as a significant step forward in strengthening Russia–Papua New Guinea bilateral relations and reflects Russia’s growing attention to countries in the South Pacific region.
