The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, William McDonald Soaki, joined a Solomon Islands Government delegation led by Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, to attend the 2025 Papua New Guinea Petroleum and Energy Conference held in Port Moresby from October 8–9.
Also part of the delegation were representatives from South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) and the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), led by SINPF Chief Executive Officer Michael Wate.
The Solomon Islands was the only Pacific Island nation represented at the two-day event, reflecting its growing role in regional energy cooperation and commitment to learning from Papua New Guinea’s experience in the petroleum and energy sectors.
The conference, hosted by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), was officially opened by Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina and attended by Minister for Energy Peter Isoaimo and Minister for State Enterprises William Duma.
As Papua New Guinea’s premier annual energy forum, the conference serves as a key platform for dialogue among government leaders, policy makers, industry experts, and investors. It highlights new developments and investment opportunities across the petroleum, gas, and renewable energy industries.
This year’s sessions covered topics such as power generation, renewable energy expansion, landowner participation, and evolving policy frameworks. The event attracted participants from both local and international sectors, reinforcing global interest in Papua New Guinea’s energy landscape.
High Commissioner Soaki commended the delegation’s participation, describing the conference as an opportunity to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ understanding of regional energy developments and foster cooperation with key partners.
“The Solomon Islands has much to learn from Papua New Guinea’s advancements in the petroleum and energy sectors,” Soaki said. “I encourage our officials to continue engaging with regional stakeholders and to explore opportunities for collaboration that align with the Solomon Islands’ national energy objectives.”
The Solomon Islands’ participation demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy development, advancing strategic partnerships, and deepening regional collaboration in pursuit of long-term economic growth and national progress.
