Prime Minister Hon. James Marape (centre) and Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and High Commissioner Soaki at the SI Independence reception.
THE Solomon Islands High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki hosted a reception to commemorate the 46th Independence Anniversary of Solomon Islands at the Hotel Stanley in Port Moresby on Tuesday 9th July 2024.
The occasion was graced by the presence of the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Hon. James Marape and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. Hon Justin Tkatchenko.
Other key dignitaries include Heads of resident Diplomatic Missions, Senior Government officials, Private Sector representatives, representatives of tertiary institutions and members of the Solomon Islands community in Port Moresby.
High Commissioner Soaki expressed the great importance that Solomon Islands attaches to our relations with Papua New Guinea.
He further added that the ties between our countries are warm, cordial and strong, growing from strength to strength in various aspects and respects as we share the same maritime borders, similar cultures, languages especially amongst the border communities.
While reflecting on this year’s independence celebration’s theme: “Charting our United and Transformative Future Together” High Commissioner Soaki used the occasion to thank the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea for being the first country to convey congratulations in person to our newly elected Prime Minister, Honorable Jeremiah Manele, a day after the elections.
The High Commissioner further thanked the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea for the partnership in various fields of great concern to both our countries over the years which includes Education, Police, Customs, Immigration, Justice, Biosecurity, Mines, Trade and Investment, Sports, and more. The Spirit of partnership is something we value highly and look forward to continuing bilaterally, regionally and internally.
Special mention was made with regards to Papua New Guinea’s invaluable support towards our recent hosting of the pacific games.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the challenges faced by Solomon Islands over the past 46 years and further expressed gratitude to the Government and the People of Solomon Islands for standing by Papua New Guinea during the Country’s challenging moments. On the continuous assistance by Papua New Guinea to Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Marape stated, “it’s not that we have excess, but we have an obligation to our closest neighbor. Without the borders we are one people.
High Commissioner concluded his remarks by thanking Papua New Guinea for such a lovely host to our citizens in PNG over the years and encouraged Solomon Islands citizens in the country to enjoy the opportunities PNG has to offer and to respect the laws and the people of this country and be ambassadors of our cultures and values.
The guests were thrilled by entertainments from the Moana Dancers, a contemporary dance group, which comprises of members of the Solomon Islands Community as well as the Solomon Islands Medical Students’ panpipe group.
Prior to last night’s event, High Commissioner Soaki also took part in the Pacific Adventist University SISSA pre-independence celebrations on Sunday 30th June 2024, and the Solomon Islands Independence Fun-Day hosted by the Solomon United Football Club on Sunday 7th July 2024.
—MFAET PRESS RELEASE
