PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has had a successful bilateral meeting with his Papua New Guinea counterpart, Prime Minister James Marape at the margins of the Honiara Summit, where the latter announced a K5Million assistance.
The assistance is to support the Solomon Islands Government host this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Honiara in September.
The bilateral meeting provided key opportunity for discussions to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
PM Manele took the opportunity to convey his heartfelt condolences to PM Marape and the people of PNG following the recent passing on of one of their former PM, Sir Julius Chan.
PM Manele expressed deep respect to the late leader’s legacy and the significant contributions he made to the development of PNG.
Reaffirming the strong historical and cultural ties between Solomon Islands and PNG, PM Manele emphasised that these bonds predate colonial borders, underscoring the deep connections between the two nations.
In light of the close and dynamic relationship between the Melanesian powerhouses, PM Manele personally conveyed to PM Marape his acceptance of PNG’s invitation for him to participate in its 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on 16 September this year.
He reassured PM Marape of Solomon Islands full respect for PNG’s sovereignty and reiterated Solomon Islands position of non-interference in the ongoing developments regarding Bougainville’s political future.
PM Manele also expressed Solomon Islands appreciation for PNG’s consistent support over the years.
PM Marape, in turn, thanked PM Manele for confirming his participation in PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration September, saying it means a lot to the people of PNG.
The PNG PM expressed appreciation for Solomon Islands hosting more than 50 PNG companies, with key investments in sectors such as hospitality, banking, telecommunications and agriculture.
He also took the opportunity to inform PM Manele that PNG will have state-of-the-art cancer, heart and kidney facilities and encouraged SI referral patients to use these facilities at the same cost as PNG citizens.
PM Marape also told PM Manele that PNG will look into providing Solomon Islands Government with budget support from 2026 -2030 as it had done in the past.
PM Manele acknowledged support promised by PM Marape.
Senior officials from both sides will pursue these issues.
The two Prime Ministers also agreed that cooperation talks between their two countries be regularised with senior officials, meeting annually and leaders meeting on a two-year basis.
– PM’S PRESS SECRETARIAT
