MoU to enable PNG magistrates to work in Solomon Islands

WORK on a Memorandum of Understanding is underway to enable Papua New Guinea magistrates to be deployed to the Solomon Islands to help in its court system. 

It is part of PNG’s development support to Solomon Islands judiciary sector. 

It will also include education, trade and investment, border relations and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) that involves the PNG Defence Force and the Royal PNG Constabulary. 

Speaking at the 36th Solomon Islands Independence celebrations in Port Moresby on Monday night, Solomon Islands Culture and Tourism Minister Samuel Manetoali thanked the PNG Government for the assistance given to his country in various sectors over the years.

It included the assistance towards relief and recovery efforts following the flash floods which devastated Honiara city and Guadalcanal in early April. 

“The S$200,000 donated towards initial relief efforts and K1 million (S$4million) later provided for relief and recovery efforts in Solomon Islands is a reflection of the close and friendly relations existing between the two countries,” he said. 

“PNG men and women have served loyally and faithfully in the Solomon Islands in the three components of RAMSI (military, participating police force and the civilians who are attached to ministries within the government). 

“There’s also good cooperation between PNG and Solomon Islands about the common border. 

The joint border committee made up of officials from both sides meet bi-annually to review issues affecting the common border.”

Manetoali said his government was interested in establishing a border management office to look after security, trade, economic and investment activities across the common border.