The Melanesian Spearhead Group Chair, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has congratulated the new Governor General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae on his appointment as the 10th Governor General of the MSG Member State.
Prime Minister Sogavare expressed well wishes to Sir Bob on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands when he called on the Governor General at his Konedobu official residence this morning.
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister arrived in Port Moresby yesterday for the final leg of his second and last MSG Capitals’ tour in his position as the MSG Chair.
In his audience with Prime Minister Sogavare, Sir Bob acknowledged the courtesy call by the Prime Minister and told him that he is the first Prime Minister of a foreign state to call on Sir Bob since taking office on the 28th of February 2017.
Sir Bob’s appointment as the 10th Governor General of Papua New Guinea followed the death of his predecessor Sir Michael Ogio. Late Sir Michael died in office on the 19th of February 2017.
“I am pleased to receive you and your entourage here at the Government House this morning. You are the first Prime Minister to call on me since I took office.
“This is symbolic of the close relationship that our two countries have long enjoyed.”
In response, Prime Minister Sogavare told Sir Bob that he is proud to learn that he is the first head of any foreign government to visit the new PNG Governor General.
He shared Sir Bob’s sentiments that his historic visit symbolises the close relationship that Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have enjoyed since time immemorial.
Prime Minister Sogavare and Sir Bob also expressed the desire to see the relationship between the two countries taken to new heights through enhanced bilateral co-operation programmes.
They also touched on the new MSG Trade Agreement which Solomon Islands and Fiji have already signed and expressed optimism that Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu will also sign the agreement.
The agreement is aimed at further integrating the Melanesian regional economies and attracting more investments.
Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by Solomon Islands Resident High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Barnabas Anga.
Meanwhile, the MSG Chair will meet with the PNG Prime Minister, Hon Peter O’Neill tomorrow.
Agendas for discussion include MSG Police Ministers’ Meeting, new MSG Free Trade Agreement, Report of the Independent Consultancy Review of the MSG Secretariat, MSG Maritime Boundaries and MSG Membership issues.
Melanesia News 