BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele has stood with his Melanesian counterpart – the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, on marking PNG’s 50 independence anniversary, celebrated in Port Moresby on September 16, 2025.
Speaking in a press conference yesterday, Manele described this historic occasion as a proud milestone for Melanesia and the Pacific.
He highlighted the deep bond the two Melanesian countries shared that will continue to strengthen their relationship.
“I was honored to represent Solomon Islands on this historic occasion. The celebrations highlighted the resilience and achievements of PNG since 1975.
“On behalf of our government and people, I extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister James Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea.
“Our two nations share deep bonds of kinship, geography, and culture,” he stated.
In the meantime, Manele said the event also encourages the country, as it looks ahead for its 50th independence in three years’ time.
“PNG’s journey inspires us as we look ahead to our own 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028,” he stated.
Since the occasion is just three years away, Prime Minister Manele said the country will begin preparation for the event.
“Preparatory work will begin soon to ensure we mark that occasion with pride,” he said.
The Prime Minister also had the privilege to have significant bilateral meetings with key partners on the margin of the occasion.
“On the margins of PNG’s anniversary, I also attended the US–Pacific Roundtable and held bilateral meetings with key partners, including France, the People’s Republic of China, and the Asian Development Bank,” he said.
From PNG, his delegation went straight to participate in the recent 80th session of the United Nation General Assembly in New York, USA.
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