FOREIGN SECRETARY MR. ELIAS WOHENGU CALLS ON PAPUA NEW GUINEA TO STAND IN PRAYER FOR PNG DIPLOMATS AND CITIZENS AS THEY HUNKERED DOWN IN BUNKERS IN THE STATE OF ISRAEL AMID THE STATE OF WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAN .
Port Moresby, Friday 13th June 2025 – The Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elias Wohengu, has called on Papua New Guineans to unite in prayer for PNG diplomats and some PNG citizens hunkered down in bunkers across the State of Israel following Israel’s large-scale attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In recent years, the radical Iranian regime has been devoted to the destruction of the State of Israel. The regimes leadership has blatantly, constantly, and publicly and explicitly calling for the annihilation of the State of Israel.
Secretary Wohengu says that it is not about would this war ever happens, but when it will happen. In the early hours of Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched large-scale military attacks against multiple targets across Iran to eliminate Iranian Nuclear threat-in what Israel calls an Existential Threat by the regime that has for decades called for the total annihilation of the State of Israel.
As the situation escalates, the Government of Israel has directed its citizens to minimise travel, stay next to a protected space and to enter a protected space and to remain indoors for their safety.
All diplomatic personnel stationed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem including PNG diplomats at the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Jerusalem have been advised to remain in secure bunkers for the duration of the hostilities.
The growing anticipation of a retaliatory move begun by the Islamic Republic of Iran firing about 100 ballistic missiles into Israel. As a precaution, diplomats, including those from Papua New Guinea have been advised by Israeli Government and the military to remain in shelters as airspaces in Israel and surrounding countries are also closed.
Mr. Wohengu has confirmed that he is in active communication with the PNG Ambassador in Jerusalem, H.E Mr. Henry Mokono and other PNG diplomats to ensure their safety and that of their dependants and citizens currently in Israel.
Mr. Wohengu, on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea, has made a solemn appeal to all Papua New Guineans to uphold the State of Israel in prayer, and for PNG diplomats and some of its citizens hunkered down in bunkers.
As a Christian nation, Papua New Guinea remains committed to peace, dialogue, and the protection of human life.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Israel during this time of uncertainty and conflict. I urge our churches, communities, and families across the country to lift the nation of Israel in prayer as they navigate this difficult time,” Mr. Wohengu stated.
The Government of Papua New Guinea advocates for restraint and the pursuit of peace through diplomatic means. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to provide updates on the escalations and urges families with loved ones in the affected region to remain calm and stay united in prayers.
