Sogavare hopeful for the return of Michael Somare as the prime minister of PNG after this year's election

By Ekonia Peni

Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare is hopeful for the return of Sir Michael Somare as the prime minister of Papua New Guinea after this year’s national elections.

“I want him (Sir Michael Somare) to return as the head of the new PNG Government because besides his commitment to Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael would also continue to chart the direction for Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in his capacity as the chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

“Right now, all eyes are on Papua New Guinea and the result of the elections will be crucial not only for PNG, but also for the leadership of Melanesian countries. I am a Papua New Guinean by birth after being born in the Oro province and I am very much in tune with what’s happening here.

“That’s why I would have to make a State visit to PNG probably immediately after the formation of the new government to meet with whoever is the new prime minister to discuss Melanesian solidarity and important bilateral issues between our two countries,” Mr Sogavare said.

Source: PNG National