Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands (SI) both have made commitments to working closely moving forward in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two pacific island nations. Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. William Soaki while paying an official visit on Minister Tkatchenko recently, offered his congratulations for his reinstatement and committed to move the outstanding bilateral agreements between the two countries. “We noticed that during your previous tenure in this role, we achieved a lot in the short period of time and we look forward to working with you to continue this relationship,” H.E Soaki expressed in the meeting. Tkatchenko stated that while PNG is aware that its Pacific Island neighbour will be voting in two months, PNG is determined to finalize the outstanding bilateral agreements by the end of February. These include the basic agreement between the two governments on Border Arrangements, a Treaty of Sovereignty on Maritime and Seabed Boundaries, the Administration of Special Areas, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Combined Surveillance and Common Marine Border. They also include the ongoing negotiations on an Air Services Agreement, where point of entry is under review considering the opening of major airports include Lae and Mt Hagen. Another progressive MOU under review and had taken two (2) years, was also on the agenda. SI High Commissioner was assured by Minister Tkatchenko that parties will work towards having this agreement signed by May after the new Solomon Islands government is formed.