SI Foreign Minister Meets New PNG Counterpart
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Hon Patteson Oti, MP, on Monday 3 September 2007, met with the new Foreign Affairs & Trade Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon Sam Abal in Port Moresby.
Hon Oti and his delegation were in Port Moresby on their way to Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan).
While in Port Moresby, the Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call and held brief discussions with the Hon Minister. This
was the first meeting of the two Ministers since Hon Abal was appointed Foreign Minister in the new Somare Government
last week. Hon Oti later congratulated Hon Abal on his appointment as PNG new Foreign Minister.
The Ministers had a useful and fruitful discussions and exchanges on a number of important bilateral as well as
Sub-regional and regional issues such as the MSG, RAMSI and Forum matters.
Both Ministers described their relations as 'strong and very close' and pledged to work together to enhance their two
countries relations.
Hon Oti later expressed Solomon Islands Government sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Papua New Guinea Government
for its development assistance to Solomon Islands.
Minister Abal also added that the new Papua New Guinea Government looks forward to working closely with Solomon Islands
Government to promote and enhance their bilateral relations.
Hon Oti was accompanied to the Meeting by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, HE Mr Bernard
Bata'anisia, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Immigration, Mr Senda Fifii and
the Director General in the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Robson Djokovic.
ENDS