Following the signing of the Policing Agreement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko and Foreign Minister for the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, Police Commissioner David Manning  commented that this agreement is vital because it will ensure the strengthening of our bilateral ties with our Melanesian brothers. “It’s all about showing support to our Melanesian brothers and is also a sign of solidarity between us as a people of the same background in as far as stability, strength and security is concerned.” Manning said that the agreement will also see increased interaction between the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force [RSIPF] in different facets and he is looking forward to further collaboration with the Solomon Islands. The Commissioner advised that the RPNGC will be providing operational and capacity building support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as per the Policing Agreement between both governments. “With this it will allow us to assist in all facets of policing.” Manning advised that this will be done upon request by the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Government. The RPNGC will be ready to provide assistance, which includes direct operational support and capacity building in terms of training, mentoring and providing instructors to assist with Prosecution Courses for the RSIPF. Mr. Manning also hoped the RPNGC, in the future will have the capability to house and train officers from the RSIPF here in the country. “At some point in the near future, our officer cadet program will be open in a great number of candidates from the RSIPF to come across and undergo Officer Cadet training where they then after 3 years graduate as inspectors.” He added that even though there may be some issues that they are encountered in the force, the RPNGC is willing to commit to assisting the RSIPF.