United Nations chief António Guterres has refused to respond to comments telling him to "cut the crap" after a national newspaper criticised him for not calling out corruption in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Guterres has been in Papua New Guinea since Tuesday for a historic visit to mark the country's 50th year of independence.

His trip marks the first time a serving UN Secretary-General has visited the Pacific nation, which struggles with high rates of crime, gender-based violence and access to basic services.

But after touring the country for a week the country's largest newspaper on Thursday published a scathing editorial, accusing him of "sugarcoating" words to local politicians.

"Welcome to corrupt Papua New Guinea António Guterres," opened the editorial, which was published by the Post C

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