Senior officials from the Government of Solomon Islands and the Government of Papua New Guinea met in Noro, Western Province on 3 March 2026 for the 15th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two Melanesian neighbours.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, Mr. Collin Beck, and the Deputy Secretary of Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kuike Numoi.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from a wide range of government ministries and agencies from both countries.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary Beck highlighted the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries, underpinned by shared kinship and the enduring Melanesian wantok spirit. He noted that the strength of the bilateral relationship is reflected in the broad network of agreements, memoranda of understanding and institutional partnerships that continue to guide cooperation between the two Governments.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the implementation of the existing Framework Agreement on Economic and Development Cooperation (2020–2025) and discussed priorities for the next phase of cooperation. Both sides welcomed the progress made in key areas and agreed to work towards concluding a new bilateral framework for 2026–2030 to guide cooperation over the next five years.
The meeting also discussed ways to further strengthen collaboration across a range of sectors, including security cooperation, economic and development partnerships, border management, and people-to-people exchanges.
Officials emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation along the common maritime border, including practical measures to support traditional border communities and improve coordination between relevant authorities.
Both sides noted progress in advancing sectoral cooperation, including ongoing work toward concluding new and updated agreements in areas such as fisheries cooperation, aviation arrangements and technical collaboration between government agencies.
Discussions also highlighted the growing engagement between the private sectors of the two countries, including the role of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council in strengthening trade and investment linkages.
On regional matters, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration within regional and sub-regional mechanisms, including the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and emphasized the need to ensure that regional institutions remain effective and responsive to the interests of Melanesian countries.
The Papua New Guinea delegation also briefed the meeting on developments concerning the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Solomon Islands reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Papua New Guinea and recognized the matter as an internal issue of Papua New Guinea.
Officials further noted plans for the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Biennial Ministerial Consultation to be hosted by Papua New Guinea in 2026, which will provide an important opportunity for Ministers to review progress and advance bilateral cooperation.
The 15th Senior Officials Meeting concluded in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, with both Governments reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing peace, stability and prosperity for their peoples.
Both heads of delegations also acknowledged the presence of the Premier of Western Province, Hon. Billy Veo who attended both the 10th Joint Border Committee Meeting and the 15h Senior Officials Meeting as observer.
Both parties agreed that the next Senior Officials Meeting will be held in 2027.
