Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands and Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea met during the Honiara Summit. Marape announced K5 million in assistance to support the Solomon Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum Summit. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, acknowledged the passing of Sir Julius Chan, and agreed on future cooperation efforts.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands conducted a fruitful bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape during the Honiara Summit. PM Marape announced a K5 million assistance package intended to support the Solomon Islands Government in hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Honiara this September. This meeting further solidified the enduring partnership between the two nations.
During the discussions, PM Manele expressed his condolences to PM Marape regarding the recent passing of former PNG Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan, showcasing his respect for the late leader’s legacy and contributions to PNG’s development. The two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ historical and cultural ties that predate colonial borders, highlighting their close relationships as Melanesian countries.
In recognition of their strong ties, PM Manele accepted an invitation to participate in PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on September 16. He reiterated the Solomon Islands’ respect for PNG’s sovereignty and its policy of non-interference concerning Bougainville’s political situation. Furthermore, PM Manele expressed gratitude for PNG’s longstanding support.
Prime Minister Marape thanked PM Manele for confirming his attendance at the Independence celebrations, indicating its significance for the people of PNG. He commended the presence of over 50 PNG companies operating in the Solomon Islands, providing various services in areas such as hospitality, banking, telecommunications, and agriculture. PM Marape also shared updates on the establishment of advanced medical facilities in PNG and encouraged Solomon Islands’ patients to utilize these services at no additional cost.
Additionally, PM Marape mentioned the possibility of PNG providing budget support to the Solomon Islands Government from 2026 to 2030. PM Manele acknowledged this offer, fostering a collaborative spirit as senior officials from both nations will continue to address these matters. The two Prime Ministers also agreed to regularize cooperation discussions, with senior officials meeting annually and leaders convening every two years to strengthen their bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, the bilateral meeting between Prime Ministers Manele and Marape marked a significant step towards enhancing the cooperative efforts between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The commitment to mutual support and the upcoming joint engagements reflect a strong dedication to strengthening their historical ties and fostering economic partnerships.
Original Source: www.solomonstarnews.com
