Friday 22nd August, 2025
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands announced a series of new initiatives during their recent meeting at the Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby in a major move to strengthen regional cooperation.
The agreements were formalized during Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s official visit to PNG, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties in areas including trade, education, security, and regional development.
During a high-level meeting, PNG Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ growth.
He announced that PNG will provide an annual support package valued at 100 million kina over the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, aimed at advancing Solomon Islands’ development projects and regional stability.
He emphasized the importance of mutual support, highlighting ongoing collaborations such as student exchanges and police training programs, with Solomon Islands sending students to study in PNG and plans to establish police training facilities in Bomana.
The leaders also discussed expanding bilateral agreements, including MOUs on border security, trade, air services, and investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Marape expressed optimism about renewing and updating these agreements to foster closer cooperation, particularly in the fisheries and maritime sectors.
Regional forums, notably the Pacific Island Forum, featured prominently in discussions. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele commended PNG’s leadership and wisdom in navigating the forum’s complex participation arrangements, emphasizing the importance of regional unity and collaboration.
In a display of sports diplomacy, both leaders participated in the inaugural “One Sol PMs Golf Challenge” charity tournament in PNG, aimed at strengthening bonds between the two nations.
Prime Minister Manele also announced plans to facilitate high-level visits and youth exchanges, with Solomon Islands leaders expected to visit PNG soon.
The dialogue underscored a shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected Melanesian region, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to support each other’s development goals and regional stability.
As Solomon Islands prepares to host the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum, leaders expressed confidence in the continued partnership and regional leadership, celebrating their shared history and aspirations for a united future.