Prime Minister Marape Arrives in Honiara for Honiara Summit 2025 Photo: PNG Prime Minister's Office
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Solomon Islands on Tuesday morning to attend the Honiara Summit 2025.
The four-day event, from 24-27 February, is being held at the Honiara National Sports Stadium.
Marape was welcomed by Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Channel, along with senior Solomon Islands government officials.
The Honiara Summit, with the theme 'Iumi Tugeda Delivering on SDG14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries', aims to address the sustainable use of marine resources, including tuna fish, which is crucial for the region.
Global concerns about tuna supply in the Pacific are mounting due to the impacts of climate change and overfishing.
Rising sea temperatures are causing tuna populations to migrate away from the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Pacific Island nations and into international waters.
Fisheries play a crucial role in the Solomon Islands economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
This shift threatens the economic stability of these nations, as tuna fishing is a significant source of revenue and food security
The summit is hosted by the Solomon Islands government, with support from the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
The gathering will see a series of discussions and collaborations focused on sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.
The importance of achieving collective objectives is highlighted, as it seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The involvement of key stakeholders and government representatives underscores the regional commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices.
The Honiara Summit, with the theme 'Iumi Tugeda Delivering on SDG14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries', aims to address the sustainable use of marine resources, including tuna fish, which is crucial for the region. Photo: PNG Prime Minister's Office
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands share a long history of diplomatic and cultural relations.
These ties have been strengthened through various bilateral agreements and collaborative efforts in areas such as trade, education, and health.
The two countries have often worked together to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability in the Pacific region. Their partnership in forums, such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group, further exemplifies their commitment to regional cooperation.
Culturally, both nations share similarities in traditions, languages, and customs, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.
Exchange programs and cultural festivals have been instrumental in deepening the understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage.
This cultural connection has not only enriched the social fabric of both countries but also paved the way for stronger diplomatic ties and cooperative endeavours.
The Solomon Islands government committed around SB$8 million (around NZ$1.63m) to hostthe event.
Fisheries play a crucial role in the Solomon Islands economy, contributing 6 percent of GDP and generating around $280 million annually, according to the Solomon Islands government.
In his weclome address, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the Pacific's success in maintaining healthy tuna stocks, which make up 58 percent of the world's tuna catch.
He also emphasised the need for global cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries.
