Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are benefiting from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Vanuatu Ministry of Justice and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Justice in 2024.
This was confirmed during the recent courtesy visit of the Solomon Islands Minister for Justice, Clezy Rore, to his counterpart, the Vanuatu Minister for Justice, Job Andy.
During the meeting, Minister Rore reaffirmed the close and ongoing relationship between the justice sectors of both countries. This collaboration follows the signing of an MOU in 2024 between the Vanuatu Ministry of Justice and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Justice.
Minister Rore spoke of the positive outcomes of the MOU, particularly the twinning program between officers of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission and the Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission. He described the program as a success, noting that it builds stronger links between legal officers, develops legal capacity, and encourages shared learning between the two Melanesian countries.
“As Melanesian nations with shared values and common challenges, it is only fitting that we support and learn from one another as we develop our justice sectors,” Minister Rore said.
Vanuatu Justice Minister Andy welcomed the visit and echoed Minister Rore’s sentiments. He underlined the importance of cooperation among Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries and confirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with the Solomon Islands.
Minister Rore was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs for the Solomon Islands, who said that ongoing collaboration between the justice sectors of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands will lead to the sharing of many valuable lessons, as the two countries have much in common and enjoy close ties.
Then Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Ms Cherol Ala, said the visit showed Melanesian solidarity, particularly between Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
“The MOU signed in 2024 represents a commitment by both ministries to work together, share experiences, achievements, ideas, and challenges, and explore future directions for the justice sectors in both countries,” DG Ala said.
She noted that the ongoing twinning programs, which involve officers from the Law Reform Commissions and Correctional Services of both countries, have already proven valuable in supporting shared learning and cooperation.
Looking ahead, DG Ala confirmed that future twinning initiatives will expand to include other departments under the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services.
“This MOU is an important step in building the ties between our two nations through our Justice Ministries,” she said. “I am proud to see this relationship continue to grow. As members of the MSG family, we must support each other in both good times and challenging times. Ultimately, it’s the relationship that matters.”
She reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing capacity and capability building across the justice sectors of both countries.
