A memorandum of understanding for co-operation and partnership was signed between the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Papua New Guinea.

The agreement paves the way for staff training and exchanges between the two broadcasting organizations.

Managing Director of NBC-PNG, Joseph Ealedona, said that his broadcasting team will continue to assist the SIBC in the long run.

"I promise ... we will assist ... in any long term plans, if SIBC wants to move to establishing television, we will be assisting you," Mr. Ealedona pledged.

In response, the General Manager of SIBC, Cornelius Ratamana, said the partnership will allow the two public broadcasting organizations to engage in co-operation developments, which aims at advancing their operations through staff training and other exchanges.

The signing ceremony coincides with a "Meet the Clients" function Friday night in Honiara, which the national broadcaster hosted to acknowledge clients for their support in 2008.

Mr. Ratamana told guests that SIBC will ensure the best service is returned to business clients linked with them.

In thanking the clients for their support through 2008, Mr. Ratamana appealed for continuous support in 2009.

"... we will continue to do our best to ensure you get the best in return for doing business with us."

He said the SIBC will introduce programmes in 2009 that are people oriented, revealing on a programme that targets to encourage young people from various schools in Honiara to do sports commentaries voluntarily.

The clients' gathering was an opportunity for SIBC to market the broadcaster's services to potential, and would be, clients.

Mr. Ratamana told clients that SIBC is committed to remain the 'Voice of Solomon Islands' as it continues to cover the entire nation.