Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape will arrive in Honiara tomorrow for an official visit that underscores the close and enduring ties between the two Melanesian neighbors.
Marape is travelling to Solomon Islands to attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Solomon Islands for Christ” program, one of the country’s largest Christian gatherings.
Although the visit will be brief, the Solomon Islands Government has elevated it to an official visit, reflecting the importance both governments place on their bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will formally welcome his Papua New Guinean counterpart at Honiara International Airport, where Marape will be accorded a Guard of Honour.
The two leaders are scheduled to attend a church service on Saturday morning and are expected to address the congregation.
They will also hold bilateral talks on Saturday evening to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Marape is scheduled to depart for Port Moresby on Sunday.
The visit comes as Prime Minister Wale continues an intensive program of regional and international diplomacy since taking office.
In recent months, Wale has travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, where he has held talks with regional leaders on issues including economic cooperation, labour mobility, security, climate change, trade and strengthening partnerships across the Pacific.
His government has described the engagements as part of a broader effort to deepen Solomon Islands’ relationships with traditional partners while expanding opportunities for economic growth and regional cooperation.
The meeting with Marape also builds on discussions the two leaders held during Wale’s recent official visit to Papua New Guinea, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, fisheries, mining, border security and connectivity.
Following Marape’s departure, Wale will continue his overseas engagements, leaving on Sunday for the United States before travelling to Japan.
The visits are expected to focus on advancing Solomon Islands’ foreign policy priorities, strengthening development partnerships and promoting investment opportunities.
