A new partnership between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands is set to strengthen prosecution services in both countries through practical cooperation under a twinning program.
A senior delegation from the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Papua New Guinea (OPP PNG) visited Honiara to progress initial activities under this partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of Solomon Islands.
The partnership is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025, which supports training, knowledge sharing and professional exchange.
During the visit, the delegation of three officials met with key justice sector leaders to agree on next steps, priorities and to shape the overall twinning program.
The twinning program will include capacity-building on prosecutions in areas such as financial crimes, corruption, and family and sexual violence as well as placements for prosecutors in both countries.
OPP’s Acting Public Prosecutor, Ms Helen Roalakona, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to practical, results-driven cooperation.
“This partnership is about building capability where it matters most, through hands-on learning, shared experience and trusted relationships. Together, we are strengthening our ability to deliver justice more effectively for our communities,” said Ms Roalakona.
The partnership focuses on strengthening skills in areas such as cybercrime, corruption, financial crime and family and sexual violence, while also improving systems and prosecution standards.
Director of Public Prosecutions of Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Ega Kelesi, welcomed the partnership and its practical focus.
“Despite being different countries, the Pacific Region, especially Melanesians, we have unique challenges, but very similar. It’s important to enable this partnership for both offices to share the challenge, share the action, share the experience, and look at ways in which we can both improve” said Mr Kelesi.
The initiative is supported by Australia through regional law and justice programs, including the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership and the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice.
The visit highlights a growing momentum behind regional partnerships that deliver tangible improvements and reinforces a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law across the Pacific.
ENDS
Papua New Guinea’s Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona, Solomon Islands’ Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Ega Kelesi, and public prosecution staff from both countries pose for a group photo following twinning partnership discussions.
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