Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have strengthened their long-standing Melanesian ties with the signing of two updated border cooperation frameworks.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands and ONGas James Marape signed the amended Agreement Concerning the Administration on Special Areas (1980) and a new MoU on Combined Surveillance of the Common Maritime Border.
Prime Minister Manele said the agreements reflect the two nations’ “commitment to build a resilient future rooted in cooperation, common understanding, mutual respect, and mutual prosperity.”
The frameworks reaffirm traditional border rights, movement, trade, and cultural exchange while strengthening order, peace, and stability along the shared frontier.
The signing comes as PNG celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, a milestone Prime Minister Manele described as “not only for your nation but for the entire Pacific family.”
He added that the renewed agreements embody the spirit of Umi Tugeda and will serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation and stronger border communities.
