Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has been awarded the Solomon Islands highest honour, the Star of Solomon Islands.

The Star of Solomon Islands is only awarded to people who have contributed and dedicated time, energy and resources to advance the well being of the people of Solomon Islands.

While speaking to the media, Sir Michael said he was honoured to have been accorded the award, adding that he had received similar awards from other countries of the region, and he was glad that Solomon Islands had recognized what he had done for both Solomon Islands and PNG.

The award was invested by the Solomon Islands Governor General Frank Kabui at Government House yesterday afternoon.

A statement by the Private Secretary to Governor General says that only very few people had deservedly received this special award.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, Speaker of Parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer and senior officials from Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.