Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in welcoming his Solomon Islands counterpart, Jeremiah Manele, to Port Moresby for his two-day official visit, described the visit as a reaffirmation of Melanesian unity and shared history. Speaking at a joint press conference at the Melanesian Haus yesterday, PM Marape said the two countries had always been linked by people-to-people ties, even before establishing diplomatic relations in 1978. He emphasized that Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands remain “one people, like brothers and sisters, coexisting in this part of the world.” The Prime Minister noted that over 50 PNG companies are now investing in the Solomon Islands, creating opportunities and strengthening trade. He highlighted sectors such as fisheries, telecommunications, and banking as areas of growing cooperation. “Despite our own challenges, we continue to support Solomon Islands where we can,” PM Marape said. He further announced PNG’s commitment to continue its development and education support to Solomon Islands from 2026 to 2030, including opportunities for Solomon Islands students to study and train in PNG institutions. PM Marape also commended PM Manele’s leadership in preparing to host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara later this year, pledging PNG’s partnership in regional and international cooperation. The Solomon Islands leader is on a two-day state visit ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.