By GINNAH MINI
PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) have signed the Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026-2030), aimed at strengthening cooperation in investment, trade and commerce, mining and resource sectors, fisheries, agriculture, state-owned enterprises, policing and security, maritime cooperation, and regional affairs.
Speaking after the signing of the framework at Melanesian House, Prime Minister James Marape said that as two countries with shared Melanesian heritage, it is important that they co-exist and work side by side.
Prime Minister Marape said that the two countries have similar challenges in security, social, boarder and even the countries’ response to the world and the geopolitical contest- so the two countries must find common ground to coexist.
He noted that PNG has over K1 billion worth of investment in SI and is looking forward to sending more investors there.
“We (PNG & SI) also agreed that we will look at the concept of free trade, that is specially tailored in between Solomon Islands and PNG-extended to Vanuatu, Fiji and possibly other Pacific Island family,” Mr. Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape will reciprocate the bilateral visit to Solomon Islands in which PNG will indicate the level of support they will provide to SI.
Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, said that as PNG as a big brother to the other Pacific Island countries, SI is looking forward for the leadership and collaboration under the agreement.
Mr. Wale said that SI is also looking forward to PNG for lessons in the extraction sector, so that the resources in SI can build them up in the way PNG is doing.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is not based on monetary value but on deep sentimental value.
Mr. Marape said that a major focus of the new framework would be the expansion of two-way investment and business activity between the two countries.