PM Marape announces 5M Kina to support SI host PIF Summit

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Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced today that his country will provide 5 Million Kina (more than SBD$10m) to support Solomon Islands host the Pacific Islands Forum this year.

He made the announcement when meeting with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in the margins of the Honiara Summit 2025.

Solomon Islands will only for the second time host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit in September this year.

Marape further stated that PNG is also going to have the state-of-the-art cancer, heart and kidney facilities, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister in Honiara, states.

The PNG PM encouraged Solomon Islands referral patients to use these facilities and they will only pay the same prices as PNG citizens.

In addition, PNG will look into providing SIG budget support from 2026 -2030 as was done previously.

PM Manele took the opportunity to convey his heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea following the recent passing of former Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan.

Manele expressed deep respect to the late leader’s legacy and the significant contributions he made to the development of PNG.

Reaffirming the strong historical and cultural ties between Solomon Islands and PNG, Manele emphasized that these bonds predate colonial borders, underscoring the deep connections between the two nations.

In light of the close and dynamic relationship between the Melanesian powerhouse, Manele personally conveyed to Prime Minister Marape, his acceptance of PNG’s invitation for him to participate in PNG’s 50^th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on the 16^th of September.

PM Marape took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Manele for confirming his participation at the PNG’s 50^thIndependence Anniversary celebration adding, it means a lot to the people of Papua New Guinea.

The PNG Prime Minister appreciated Solomon Islands hosting more than 50 PNG companies in Solomon Islands, with key investments in sectors such as hospitality, banking, telecommunications, and agriculture.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Manele also expressed Solomon Islands’ appreciation for PNG’s consistent support over the years.

He reassured PM Marape of Solomon Islands’ full respect for PNG’s sovereignty and reiterated the country’s position of non-interference in the ongoing developments regarding Bougainville’s political future.

PM Manele acknowledged support by PM Marape and will have senior officials from both sides to pursue these issues. They also agreed for cooperation talks between the two countries to be regularized with senior officials meeting annually and leaders meeting on two-year basis.