BY MORRIS NAFU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, along with his delegation, arrived in Port Moresby to join Papua New Guinea in commemorating its 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet confirmed in a statement that PM Manele traveled over the weekend following an official invitation from PNG Prime Minister James Marape.

The statement added, the official celebrations are set for Tuesday, 16 September, under the theme “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future.”

PM Manele made the trip from Honiara after concluding the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, joining fellow Pacific leaders gathered in Port Moresby to mark this historic milestone with the Government and people of Papua New Guinea.

The Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea share a deep-rooted relationship, founded on centuries of shared heritage, strong cultural bonds, mutual respect, and Melanesian solidarity.

This 50th Independence Anniversary not only celebrates PNG’s remarkable journey but also strengthens the unity and resilience that connect both nations within the Blue Pacific family.

Manale’s recent visit to PNG were on the Inaugural Wansol Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge in Port Moresby the last month.

During the occasion, PNG Prime Minister James Marabe has renewed PNG’s commitment to Solomon Islands with the announcement of another K100 million over the next five years starting 2026 as part of ongoing budget support to the Solomon Islands.

Statement further added, After the celebrations, PM Manele will head to New York to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly from September 21–28 2025. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto will oversee the Office of the Prime Minister.

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