PRIME Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP, on Thursday 27, welcomed his Papua New Guinea counterpart, Hon. James Marape to the country.
Hon. Marape is currently in the country for his first official visit to the country.
Prime Minister Sogavare received the visiting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea at Henderson International Airport where he was given a red carpet welcome before proceeding to inspect the guards of honour.
“Our relations are based on shared history, blood ties, cultural link and connection, common interests, mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation. Our relationship has grown from strength to strength over the years,” Hon. Sogavare told Hon. Marape and his delegation during an official dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sogavare yesterday evening.
“Prime Minister, your State Visit to Solomon Islands this week will cement our relations even further. We strongly value our friendship with Papua New Guinea as a close Melanesian brother and neighbour,” Hon. Sogavare said.
The relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea started well before both countries established diplomatic relations more than 40 years ago. Prime Minister Sogavare holds bilaterial talks with Hon. Marape today on areas of mutual interest for both countries.