New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- Australia offered to gift Papua New Guinea an extension to its Parliament House as the South Pacific island nation celebrated 50 years of independence on Tuesday.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among government leaders who gathered at Independence Hill in the Papua New Guinea capital of Port Moresby for a flag-raising ceremony.

Albanese said Australia will support the construction of a new ministerial wing for Papua New Guinea's National Parliament.

"Our support for the expansion of Parliament House is an investment in Papua New Guinea's democracy and sovereignty that will benefit future generations," Albanese said.

Australia is emphasizing the democratic principles it shares with its former colo...