This morning, Police Commissioner Mohammed Jahir Khan met with his counterpart from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Commissioner Gari Baki, at Police Headquarters to discuss future training arrangements between the two countries.

The discussions followed talks between Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Honourable Derek Sikua and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

The two heads of police held a fruitful discussion on the possibility of police from Papua New Guinea assisting with training Solomon Island officers in riot control, drills, parade procedures and discipline.

Commissioner Khan said that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is a professional organisation and that Solomon Islands officers could learn valuable skills from our Melanesian colleagues.

"Police in Papua New Guinea are well disciplined in areas such a riot control and parade procedures. I think our officers may benefit from learning new skills from any future training arrangement that is being formalised between the two countries," he said.

Further discussions on cross-country training and the possibility of drafting a Memorandum of Understanding between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea will occur at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Chief's of Police meeting which will be held in Vanuatu from the 14 - 25 April 2008.

Commissioner Khan thanked Commissioner Baki during a weekly Commissioner's Parade at Police Headquarters this morning. Commissioner Baki is due to depart for Papua New Guinea tomorrow morning