Border between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, closed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reopened.

A ceremony to mark the event, attended by officials from both sides, was held at Kangu beach, Bougainville, on 31 October 2023.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Kangu beach event marked the end of stringent COVID-19 restrictions that were initiated in 2020 to protect public health and safety. 

The ministry said in a statement Solomon Islands was represented at the ceremony by its High Commissioner to PNG William Soaki.

Soaki reportedly  expressed gratitude for the resilience and patience displayed by the citizens of both countries during the challenging pandemic era. 

He acknowledged the sacrifices made to safeguard public health and underlined the commitment to regional collaboration and well-being.

“The reopening of the maritime border is a significant step forward for both nations, underscoring the progress made in managing the COVID-19 pandemic,” Soaki said.

“It signifies a return to more normalized cross-border activities, trade, and people-to-people exchanges,” he added

As the two nations move into this new phase, they pledge to continue to work together to ensure the safety and health of their communities. 

Soaki said the ongoing management of the pandemic, other health challenges and cross border issues remain a shared priority as both countries understand the importance of adaptability and mutual support in their recovery efforts.

Solomon Islanders living on this side of the border in the Shortland islands have blood ties with those on the other side in Bougainville.

They were so close to each other that Shortland islanders frequently travelled to Bougainville to sell their produces and buy goods.