Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape in the margins of the one-day Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
Bilateral discussions covered areas on: SI-PNG security, Policing, the 2023 South Pacific Games, High Education, Trade, Cultural Exchanges/People-to-people interactions, among others.
On the Development Cooperation front, PM Marape was assured of Solomon Islands continued support in strengthening the SI-PNG cooperation on mutual interests and priorities; particularly in encouraging socio-economic development, maintaining law and order, peace and security for SI citizens.
Prime Minister Sogavare said, “Solomon Islands awaits the finalisation of the revised border arrangements frameworks with PNG along the SI/PNG border.”
On security, Prime Minister Sogavare convey deep appreciation for PNG’s ongoing support on security cooperation to Solomon Islands…. “The signing of the agreement on policing deployment signifies PNG and Solomon Islands continuous engagement and commitment to enhance cooperation and coordination to maintain peaceful co-existence, law and order for our people.”
Solomon Islands acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s response to its call for assistance during the November 2021 riots and for the past three policing deployments.
PM Sogavare thanked PNG for the construction of the new Solomon Islands Football Federation Headquarter and support towards the 2023 Pacific Games.
He also thanked the PNG Government’s commitment to providing scholarships for Solomon Islanders at tertiary level…. “Solomon Islands value the opportunity to build skills and capacity for our students, and in turn contribute to the country’s human resource development.”
The establishment of a SI-PNG Business Council to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries has the unanimous support of both bilateral partners.
The strong blood ties and cultural/traditional links between people along the border of both countries was emphasised. It is in the best interest of both countries that these cultural/traditional connections are maintained, through respect and peaceful co-existence of the laws governing both countries.
SOURCE: SIBC/PACNEWS
