The Governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have taken a decisive step to strengthen their economic and cultural bonds with the soft launch of the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council.
Held in Port Moresby, the event brought together leaders from government and business, with both Prime Ministers hailing the initiative as a milestone in Melanesian cooperation.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, MP, extended his warm congratulations to the council’s founders, describing the launch as a timely platform for deeper private-sector collaboration.
“The establishment of this Council represents a new chapter in our economic partnership. I am confident that it will grow from strength to strength and evolve into a vital mechanism for advancing mutual prosperity,” he said.
Manele underlined the council’s role as a forum for dialogue, networking and innovation, opening avenues for trade and investment. He also met with PNG business leaders during the launch, listening to their aspirations and reaffirming his government’s readiness to pursue stronger partnerships.
“As close neighbours and enduring partners, our futures are closely linked. Enhanced private sector collaboration will not only stimulate economic growth but will also reinforce the bonds of friendship and understanding that unite our peoples,” Manele said.
Courtesy call on PNG Governor-General
Prime Minister Manele paid a courtesy call on the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, at Government House.
During their brief meeting, he conveyed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands for the long-standing relationship between the two Melanesian nations. He acknowledged the enduring diplomatic ties established 47 years ago on 7 July 1978, when Solomon Islands gained independence from Britain.
“On behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands, I thank Papua New Guinea for its continued friendship and assistance, which have significantly contributed to our national development,” Manele said.
The Prime Minister noted PNG’s support in critical sectors such as business investment, education, border surveillance, police, security, and sports. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing “brotherly ties” rooted in shared culture, geography and history, which also laid the foundation for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in 1988.
Manele was accompanied on the visit by former Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui and Rick Hou, for Small Malaita.
‘Brothers and sisters’
Prime Minister James Marape, welcomed Manele to Papua New Guinea, calling the visit a reaffirmation of “deep historical, cultural, and economic ties” between the two Melanesian nations.
“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,” Marape said, drawing warm applause from guests.
Marape reflected on the shared seafaring and trading traditions of both countries, saying independence in 1975 for PNG and 1978 for Solomon Islands had merely formalised an age-old connection.
He also congratulated Solomon Islands on its preparations to host the Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara this month, pledging PNG’s full support. “When Solomon Islands celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2028, Papua New Guinea will be there in full force,” he said.
From aid to trade
Looking to the future, Marape stressed the importance of shifting from aid dependency to deeper trade and economic engagement. He pointed out that more than 60 PNG businesses are already operating in Solomon Islands, spanning telecommunications, banking, oil palm and tourism.
“Papua New Guinea remains the largest foreign investor in Solomon Islands, a sign of the growing partnership,” he said.
Marape further endorsed Manele’s “Melanesian Oceans” initiative, a regional vision for sustainable use of fisheries and marine resources. “Our oceans hold some of the world’s richest tuna stocks. Together, Melanesia must shape our own destiny and ensure resources benefit our people,” he said.
Tourism and people-to-people links
Marape encouraged greater tourism exchanges, saying Solomon Islands offered experiences that complemented PNG’s own emerging industry. “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,” he said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that Manele will return to Port Moresby next week to join PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, alongside more than 15 Pacific leaders travelling from Honiara after the Forum.
Closing his address, Marape cited a Melanesian proverb on fire and family unity: “We are placed at the heart of Melanesia. As leaders, we must be friends to all, enemies to none.”
Manele, before flying on to Australia, joined Marape in a charity golf event on Friday morning, rounding out a visit that was as much about personal connection as political and economic partnership.
