Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its relationship with fellow Melanesian country Vanuatu in terms of economic and technical relations, through the signing of a significant framework agreement in Samoa. Prime Minister, James Marape, signed a framework agreement with the Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, committing the two countries to pursue, develop, and implement economic and technical cooperation activities within the two countries for the benefit of their people. The signing took place today at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia, Samoa, and on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). While thanking Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Tabimasmas for taking time to attend and sign this agreement, Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the agreement is a milestone achievement for the two countries, which will foster and deepen a long relationship the two countries have as members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and with PNG playing a small role in the birth of Vanuatu as a country. In response, Prime Minister Tabimasmas expressed appreciation to PNG for its assistance in the past, including sending relief aid to Vanuatu after it was hit by a cyclone. He highlighted that this is a result of few discussions he held with leaders from PNG and thanked the Government officers from both countries for working hard and ensuring that those discussion resulted in the development of this framework agreement. The agreement provides an overarching framework under which the two parties can initiate, develop, and implement subsidiary cooperation understanding and agreements between various sectors and areas of development. The scope of cooperation in the agreement includes, but is not limited to: • Agriculture • Air Services • Bilateral Trade and Investment • Climate Change and Environment • Defense and Security Cooperation • Double Taxation • Education and Human Resource Development • Disaster • Health and Medical Services • infrastructure • Investment Promotion and Protection • Marine and Fisheries Cooperation • Policing • Mining and Energy • Tourism and Culture The event was witnessed by PNG’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong and Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth Jason Peter.