Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has brought up the issue of human rights violations during a meeting with Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Sogavare was in Suva Wednesday and held talks with Bainimarama as well as Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
He says the situation in West Papua remains an issue for Melanesian countries.
“It’s a transnational issue and is not something that you can shy away from. All right thinking people on planet earth should be able to express concern when a race is actively prosecuted.”
FBC reports the Fijian government has confirmed it recognises Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua.
Sogavare and Kubuabola also held talks on common issues both regionally and internationally.
Meanwhile, Solomon Island government has donated FJD $1.2million (US$606,061.31) towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
This was announced by PM Sogavare at a press conference in Suva.
“We are also looking at supplying human resources as well. Our patrol boats are ready and if that is needed we will send them. Papua New Guinea is ready to assist and they have said they want to put roofing irons and other materials on a boat and ship them to Fiji.”
Sogavare says they are still some fund raising activities being carried out in the Solomon Islands and they will continue to assist Fiji in any way they can.