Department of the Prime Ministers Office and Cabinet News,

28/03/07

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, MP has been awarded the 1st Class Division, the highest order of the Vanuatu medal, along with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Rt Hon Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon Ham Lini Vanuaroroa.
The medals are normally reserved for Heads of States and Governments.
The medals were awarded to the MSG Leaders by the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, His Excellency, Mr Kalkot Matas Kelekele, during the signing of the MSG Agreement in Port Vila, Vanuatu last week in Port Vila.
The medals were given to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister along with his other MSG colleagues for recognition of their work in promoting cooperation and solidarity in their respective countries and the MSG region.
The Interim Foreign Affairs Minister of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the Spokesperson for the FLNKS of New Caledonia, Mr Victor Tutugoro received the 2nd Class Division, the 2nd highest order of the Vanuatu medal for their work in promoting cooperation and solidarity in the MSG region.
The President of the Republic of Vanuatu in presenting the awards to the MSG Leaders congratulated each of them for their work in promoting and advancing the interest of their countries as well as the MSG.
The award ceremony was also witnessed by the Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament, members of the Vanuatu Cabinet, Ministers and officials from the MSG member countries, members of the Diplomatic Corp, customary chiefs and the media.