A high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands, led by Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, recently visited Port Moresby to enhance bilateral cooperation between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the communications and aviation sectors.
During the visit, Minister Kologeto met with PNG’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, and Minister for State Enterprises, Hon. William Duma.
The delegation engaged with leading industry stakeholders, including the Department of ICT, National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), Huawei, and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
These engagements provided an opportunity to explore collaboration in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and services, vital for both countries' economic and technological progress.
Further discussions were held with representatives from Vodafone, DataCo PNG, Telekom PNG, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), PNG Airport Accident Investigation, NiuSky Pacific, and the PNG National Statistical Office (NSO).
These discussions highlighted potential areas of cooperation, especially in improving aviation safety, connectivity, and regional communication networks.
One of the key outcomes was the advancement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Solomon Islands Ministry of Communications and Aviation (MCA) and the PNG Department of ICT. The MOU, expected to be signed soon, will formalize collaboration efforts, contributing to mutual growth and development in both sectors.
The Solomon Islands delegation included Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo, Chairman of PAC and MP for Central Honiara; Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea; Director of Civil Aviation, Brian Halisanau; Telecommunications Commissioner, Calvin Ziru; Moses Virivolomo from SI Tower Ltd; SatSol CEO, Tony Ferris; and FC Semisi. The delegation returned to Honiara on October 7, optimistic about the strengthened ties and future collaboration between the two nations.
Source: Press Release, MFAET