PM keen to boost ties with Solomons

PRIME Minister James Marape says Papua New Guinea will strengthen its relationships with the Solomon Islands.
He met Solomon Islands’ governor-general Sir David Vunagi in Honiara on Thursday.
“Our two countries are bound by our rich Melanesian cultural heritage, our maritime border and shared Christian and democratic values,” he said.
He said his three-day visit was to renew and strengthen ties and cooperation, “a key strategy of PNG’s foreign policy”.
He said Solomon Island missionaries spread Christianity in PNG. “The post-Independence era has seen both our countries work hand-in-hand alongside our Pacific neighbours in assisting to restore peace in Bougainville and in the Solomon Islands and other neighbouring countries in recent times,” he said.
“This is a testament to our common desire to maintain, peace, harmony, unity and stabiliy in our region.
“Our discussions, therefore, on protecting our sovereignty, our borders and the sustainable management of our resources particularly fisheries, forestry and agriculture is vital for the long term economic benefit of our people and future generations.”
Marape said educating the human resource was also essential to nation-building and to their successes as nations.
He discussed with his Solomon Islands counterpart Manasseh Sogavare “ways we can continue to provide more opportunities for Solomon Island students to study in PNG tertiary institutions”.
“I will also promote the establishment of the PNG/Solomon Islands Alumni Association so we can maintain the network and friendships created through education.”