Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele, MP, paid a courtesy call on the Governor-General (GG) of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, at Government House during his official visit to Papua New Guinea on Friday.
During the brief meeting, Prime Minister Manele conveyed sincere appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands to the Grand Chief and, through him, to the government and people of Papua New Guinea for the long-standing and close relationship shared between the two Melanesian nations.
He acknowledged the enduring diplomatic ties established 47 years ago on 7 July 1978, following Solomon Islands’ independence from Britain.
Over the years, the two sovereign states have maintained a strong bilateral partnership, underpinned by mutual respect, regional collaboration, and Melanesian solidarity.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized that his visit aims to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship. He expressed Solomon Islands’ gratitude for PNG’s continued support in critical sectors such as business investment, education, border surveillance, Police, security, sports among others.
“On behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands, I thank Papua New Guinea for its continued friendship and assistance, which have significantly contributed to our national development,” Prime Minister Manele stated.
Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and Prime Minister Manele noted the close cultural, geographic, and historical ties that bind their nations, as members of the Melanesian cultural family. These shared connections laid the foundation for the establishment of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in 1988, a regional platform promoting cooperation among Melanesian countries.
Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to enhancing the brotherly ties, recognizing its importance in fostering peace, prosperity, and resilience within the Melanesian sub-region.
Prime Minister Manele was accompanied by the former Solomon Islands Governor General Sir Frank Kabui and Hon. Rick Hou, MP for Small Malaita.
– OPMC
