By ISAAC NICHOLAS
SOLOMON Islands prime minister Dr Derek Sikua has expressed regret over his predecessor’s “disrespectful” decision to boycott the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meeting in Tonga last year.
He said yesterday that the move was disrespectful to Papua New Guinea as a neighbour and to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, “who is a statesman in the region and the world”.
“Solomon Islands want to be a constructive and credible partner in the region,” he said in a formal apology to Sir Michael in Port Moresby yesterday, which he made in a traditional Melanesian way of solving conflicts.
He presented Sir Michael with Solomon Islands “shell money” and asked for his forgiveness.
Dr Sikua told a press conference at Holiday Inn that the former government had caused some misunderstanding between their two countries.
He said these issues related to Ramsi, the non-attendance at the PIF meeting and a statement made by Solomon Islands foreign minister to the United Nations that Ramsi was an “occupational force”.
He hoped that his visit, the first of his regional visits, would strengthen relations between Solomon Islands and Pacific Island Forum countries, especially Australia.
Dr Sikua described his meeting with Sir Michael as “very cordial and fruitful discussion”.
He also met with PNG’s Ministers for Education, Foreign Affairs, Fisheries and Justice.
He said they touched on bilateral and economic cooperation which would be explored further in future meetings with ministers from both countries.
He also conveyed the gratitude of the people of Solomon Islands and the government to the people and Government of PNG for the significant contribution through Ramsi.
He said his country might need technical assistance in terms of membership on the inquiry into the April riot, the land dealings on Guadalcanal, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the establishment of a new university.
Dr Sikua also acknowledged that the current Development Cooperation Agreement between the two countries with PNG helping with K1 million for the inquiry into the riot, K5 million for a new Solomon Islands chancery in Port Moresby and K4 million allocated last year for students attending various educational institutions in Papua New Guinea.
In a show of solidarity, Dr Sikua also handed over a cheque for K50,000 towards the Oro flood disaster restoration efforts.
Sir Michael assured Dr Sikua of PNG’s support and encouraged him to ask for help when there was a need.
Dr Sikua and his delegation will leave for Australia this morning.