Papua New Guinea Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says talks with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele have reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties and opened new opportunities for cooperation.
“Our bilaterals with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his delegation were highly productive,” he said.
“”Our conversation included in-depth discussions about the current status of relations, Papua New Guinea’s current investments in the Solomon Islands vice versa, and opportunities that exist where both our countries can take advantage of moving forward. These include the potential of greater partnership in fisheries and ocean resources sector in the Pacific among others.
Discussions also reiterated our support for Solomon Islands hosting of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara later this year,” Tkatchenko said.
He highlighted the close bond between the two countries, reinforced by the joint remarks of Prime Minister James Marape and Manele following their bilateral talks.
“We have been there for each other over more than 50 years, and we will always stick together,” the two leaders declared.
Tkatchenko added that the foundation of PNG-Solomon Islands relations runs deeper than diplomacy.
“The foundations of PNG and Solomon Islands relations go beyond diplomatic and bilateral — family ties and a commitment rooted in our shared history as one people once upon a time in history, continues to reinforce strength into our ties,” he said.
