PNG and Solomon Islands Signs Documents to Guide Relationship

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare and PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has signed two documents after their bilateral discussion in Honiara on Friday.

The documents are called ‘Framework agreement for Economic and Development Cooperation’ and ‘Treaty guiding relationship between Solomon Islands and PNG’.

Speaking to the local media, both Prime Ministers said this signing is to formalize and guide the relationship between Solomon Islands and PNG going forward.

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape said the amalgamated treaty and agreement will forge newer ways to go forward for both countries.

Whether in forestry or fisheries sector, or other economic activities, these agreements will review the relationship both countries have.

“Review in how we engage in policies, our shared border responsibilities, review in how we respect each other in our border areas, review in how we deal with Bougainville matters. So it is really a whole ranging sector relationship in all spaces”.

He said the shared agreement will make sure none of the countries are at a disadvantage. 

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare said fruitful discussions have been held during their bilateral discussions.

He said areas of mutual interests were discussed. He said the documents signed will certainly help both countries in areas of mutual interest going forward.

“I am excited we have reviewed the documents and we have updated versions of the document to guide our relationships going forward”.

Sogavare said they have agreed that this sort of visit will be made annually. He said meetings of this sort will not only be held in Honiara, but also to be held in Papua New Guinea.

“I acknowledge the Prime Minister’s vision and his view of how he wants to manage Papua New Guinea’s economy, a private sector driven kind of approach”, Sogavare said.

The PNG Prime Minster has led a delegation of both government and private sector officials to the Solomon Islands.

The delegation also had the chance to meet with members of the private sector in Honiara in a luncheon hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).