Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has formally welcomed Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele to Papua New Guinea, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two Melanesian neighbours.
Speaking at a reception in Port Moresby on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands share a bond that goes back thousands of years, well before the two nations achieved independence.
“Sometimes, friends you can choose, but brothers and sisters you are born into. Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are family, and we will continue to coexist into the future,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Shared History and Pacific Unity
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the seafaring, agricultural, and trading traditions of both peoples, noting that the two nations’ sovereignty since 1975 (PNG) and 1978 (Solomon Islands) only formalised a relationship that had long existed.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Solomon Islands for its preparations to host the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and pledged PNG’s full support.
“When Solomon Islands celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2028, Papua New Guinea will be there in full force. As Melanesian brothers, we must continue to empower each other in trade, economic partnerships, and regional cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Trade, Investment, and the “Melanesian Oceans” Concept
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the need to move “from aid to trade,” calling for deeper economic engagement between the two nations. He urged foreign missions to open embassies in Solomon Islands, stressing that the country “deserves respect” as a sovereign partner.
Prime Minister Marape also endorsed Prime Minister Manele’s initiative of “Melanesian Oceans”, a regional approach to harness the Pacific’s fisheries and marine resources sustainably.
“Our oceans hold some of the world’s richest tuna stocks. Together, Melanesia must shape our own destiny and ensure resources benefit our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Currently, more than 60 Papua New Guinean businesses are registered in Solomon Islands, spanning sectors such as telecommunications, oil palm, banking, and tourism. Prime Minister Marape said PNG remains the largest foreign investor in Solomon Islands, a sign of the growing partnership.
Tourism, Culture, and People-to-People Links
Prime Minister Marape praised Solomon Islands’ tourism potential, encouraging Papua New Guineans and the international community to visit.
“Papua New Guinea is still growing in tourism, but our cousins in Solomon Islands will look after you well. They are not an extension of PNG — they are a proud nation of their own,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Regional Leadership and Future Cooperation
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Prime Minister Manele will return to PNG to attend the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on September 16, immediately after the Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara. Over 15 Pacific leaders are expected to travel from Honiara to Port Moresby for the milestone event.
The PNG leader closed with a Melanesian proverb likening fire to family unity, stressing that the Pacific must remain strong together while embracing partnerships with the wider world. “We are placed at the heart of Melanesia. As leaders, we must be friends to all, enemies to none,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Manele joined his host in a charity golf event today before departing for Australia.