Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening ties with close neighbours Papua New Guinea.
This was during a courtesy call he made on Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, in Port Moresby today.
Wale left this morning to PNG on a high-level day-trip, returning this evening.
During the meeting, Governor-General Dadae congratulated Wale on his recent election as Prime Minister and reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the two Melanesian neighbours.
He said the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands is built on deep cultural links and generations of close people-to-people connections.
Prime Minister Wale thanked the Governor-General for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, describing Papua New Guinea as Solomon Islands’ “big Melanesian brother” and a key regional partner.
Wale also acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s progress since gaining independence and said the country continues to play an important leadership role in the Pacific.
During the meeting, Wale also briefed Governor-General Dadae on his responsibilities as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and discussed regional cooperation on issues affecting Pacific Island nations.
The courtesy call formed part of Wale’s official programme in Papua New Guinea, where he is expected to hold bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Wale and his delegation flew on a US aircraft that’s usually made available to Pacific leaders requesting urgent diplomatic travel.
This was Wale’s third overseas trip since his election in May this year. His last two trips were to Australia and New Zealand.
The prime minister is due back in Honiara this evening.
