Solomon Islands has strengthened its ties with Fiji ahead of its Justice Agencies Dialogue scheduled for this week in Honiara from November 12–18, 2025.
This follows a chupu (traditional Guadalcanal welcoming) ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) to welcome Fiji’s Minister of Justice and Acting Attorney General, Hon. Siromi Turaga, at the National Auditorium in Honiara on Wednesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, MJLA Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au said the occasion reflected the close friendship and shared history between the two Melanesian nations.
“Fijians are our friends. They’re part of us, and Solomon Islanders are part of the Fijian community,” PS Hoa’au said.
He highlighted the enduring links between the two countries, noting that a Fijian, Panapasa Balekana, composed the Solomon Islands’ national anthem.
Hoa’au added that both nations host vibrant communities of each other’s citizens, and share connections through education, sports, and cultural exchange.
“Many Solomon Islanders have studied in Fiji and we’ve competed against each other in sports like rugby and futsal. So, Fiji holds a special place in our hearts,” he said.
In his remarks, Fiji’s Minister of Justice, Hon. Turaga, said he was honoured to receive the chupu ceremony, describing it as a powerful symbol of friendship, respect, and solidarity between the two nations.
His visit aimed to strengthen the partnership formalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two countries in Suva on February 17, 2025, by Minister Turaga and Solomon Islands Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Clezy Rore.
The MOU established a “Twinning Program” designed to promote collaboration, mutual learning, and professional development between the two justice ministries and related agencies.
“Regional collaboration is essential to advancing justice, governance, and the rule of law in the Pacific,” Minister Turaga said.
“Through the Twinning Program, we have created a bridge for mutual learning, knowledge exchange, and professional development. This partnership allows our legal professionals to learn from each other in areas such as legal aid, policy development, research, legal practice, legislative drafting, and justice administration.”
During his stay in Honiara, Minister Turaga will:
- Engage in bilateral talanoa discussions on a proposed Melanesian Ministers of Justice Initiative;
- Pay courtesy visits to the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, and Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services;
- Conduct visits and dialogues with Heads of Legal Agencies, including the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and Government Information Communication Technology Services (ICTSU); and
- Receive an introduction to the Justice Information Management System (JIMS).
The Justice Agencies Dialogue aims to foster stronger regional cooperation in legal and justice sector reforms among Pacific Island countries.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
