Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands will deepen bilateral cooperation in mining, fisheries, trade and investment following a productive bilateral meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale in Honiara last night.
Prime Minister Marape, who returned to Port Moresby today, said the discussions reaffirmed the close relationship between the two Melanesian neighbours and identified new opportunities for economic cooperation that would benefit both countries.
“I had a wonderful bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Wale after my Sabbath church commitments in Honiara. We discussed many issues of mutual interest between our two countries and agreed that we will meet again in August to consolidate the discussions we had, as well as those we began during Prime Minister Wale’s recent visit to Port Moresby.
“Our relationship is not just government to government. It is also business to business and, more importantly, people to people.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea remained the largest foreign investor in Solomon Islands, with Papua New Guinean companies maintaining substantial investments in banking, telecommunications, hospitality, agriculture and other sectors.
“Papua New Guinean businesses are the biggest overseas investors in Solomon Islands, and we want to continue building on that strong economic partnership.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, noting the large number of Papua New Guineans who travelled to Solomon Islands over the weekend for church activities.
“More than 200 revival church members and over 150 Seventh-day Adventist pastors from Papua New Guinea were in Solomon Islands over the weekend. These exchanges demonstrate the deep spiritual, cultural and historical links that unite our peoples.”
Prime Minister Marape said Prime Minister Wale had expressed a strong interest in Papua New Guinea partnering with Solomon Islands in developing its mining sector.
“Prime Minister Wale made it absolutely clear that he wants Papua New Guinea to look seriously at opportunities in Solomon Islands’ mining sector and participate in a meaningful way.
“He specifically invited Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited to explore partnership opportunities in the mining sector as Solomon Islands seeks to increase national participation in its resource industry.”
The two leaders also agreed that fisheries offered significant opportunities for collaboration.
“We agreed that the fisheries sector should be explored jointly, with our two countries partnering in developing our fisheries industries and ensuring that greater economic prosperity flows to our people.
“Mining and fisheries are two of the lowest-hanging fruits where Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands can work together in genuine partnership.”
Prime Minister Marape said momentum would continue next month, with both governments and the private sector coming together to advance the initiatives discussed.
“In August, the PNG–Solomon Islands Business Council will meet to strengthen business-to-business engagement and identify new investment opportunities. Prime Minister Wale and I will also hold another formal bilateral meeting to progress the discussions we have started and translate them into practical outcomes for our two countries.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, as close Melanesian neighbours, shared common aspirations for sustainable economic growth and greater participation in the development of their natural resources.
“As members of the Melanesian family, we have every reason to work more closely together to create opportunities for our people, strengthen our economies and build a more prosperous future for both nations.”