BY BEN BILUA

THE Solomon Islands has signed a Security Agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele sealed the 10-year Security Agreement before heading to Munda, in Western Province for the Forum Leaders Retreat yesterday morning.

Speaking during the signing, Manele said the security agreement marks another historical milestone on the long and enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

He said the new security agreement is to Administer the Special Areas 1989 Agreement and a memorandum of understanding on combined surveillance for the maritime border agreed by the two countries.

Manele said an updated framework is destined to address current and future issues.

He said the agreement is fitting as both countries are connected by culture, by bloods and by geography countries.

Manele said the agreement reflects commitments to build a resilient future rooted in cooperation, common understanding and mutual respect for prosperity.

“We are here to reaffirm our shared responsibilities to preserve traditional rights for our people, their movement, trade and cultural exchange – strengthening our national obligation for law and order, peace stability and good neighbour relations.

“This is inline with the theme of 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting ‘Iumi Tugeda: Act now for Integrated Blue Pacific Continent’ – our action today embodies the spirit of the wantok spirit and close economic integration between people along the borders,” he said.

Marape acknowledges the agreement saying that Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are good friends with close bloodlines and culture.

He said the agreement will play an important role on people’s movement on both side while respecting the maritime law and border.

“Happy to be here with my brother Prime Minister of Solomon Islands”, Marape said.

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