Sogavare had a brief audience with Somare about his trip to Taiwan which may encourage PNG to follow SI in Asian deals

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation called into Papua New Guinea briefly on Monday afternoon to have an audience with Sir Michael Somare - advising him he was on his way to Taiwan to sign an agreement in Taipei this week, which is likely to see hundreds of Solomon Islanders engaged to work in Taiwan.
PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare (right) greeting his Solomon Islands counterpart Manasseh Sogavare at Port Moresby’s Jackson Airport on Monday [Source: Nationalpic by Ekar Keapu]

It was a brief stop-over meeting at the Port Moresby's Jackson’s International Airport – travelling from Solomon Islands, via Port Moresby to Singapore.

The PNG media was not allowed to talk to any of the prime ministers but it is understood Sogavare is travelling to Taipei with a high level official delegation from Solomon Islands including his wife Emmy Sogavare, Minister for National Reconciliation and Peace, Sam Iduri and Mrs Roselyne Iduri; Minister for Police and National Security Isaac Inoke and Mrs Alice Inoke; George Hiele; Mr Robson Djokovic, Rence Sore (Prime Minister’s Office); Suzie Wale (Prime Minister’s staff); Alfred Siale (security), and Philip Fafe.

On Wednesday last week, Mr Sogavare told Solomon Star the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will pave the way for Solomon Islanders to work in Taiwan. “I’m going to Taiwan to sign an agreement for our people to work there,” the prime minister said.

It was not clear when the new labour cooperation will come into force but an official said workers are needed in manufacturing, construction and other areas as well.

Meanwhile, the PNG Post Courier has reported that there is a possibility that Papua New Guinea may follow in the footsteps of Solomon Islands, sourcing multi-million kina projects from Asian countries amidst its bitter relationship with Australia.

Source: PNG Post Courier