Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea have strengthened cooperation between their prosecution services following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Port Vila today.

The MOU was signed by Vanuatu’s Public Prosecutor, Simcha Boe Blessing, and Papua New Guinea’s Public Prosecutor, Helen Roalakona, who is visiting Vanuatu with a PNG delegation.

From a press release it states that the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two prosecution offices, including professional exchanges, training and capacity building, sharing of prosecutorial knowledge and experience, and the exchange of information and professional practices.

Mr Boe Blessing said the agreement provides a strong foundation for the two prosecution services to learn from each other and strengthen their professional capacity.

“As wantok countries, we have much to learn from each other, and this partnership will allow us to share knowledge, experience and professional practices while strengthening the capacity of our respective prosecution services.”

Ms Roalakona also welcomed the agreement, saying the MOU would strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries through practical cooperation in prosecution and the administration of justice.

“Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu share longstanding ties as wantok countries, and this MOU provides an opportunity to strengthen those ties through practical cooperation in prosecution and the administration of justice.”

She said the partnership would create opportunities for prosecutors and legal officers from both countries to take part in professional exchanges, training and capacity-building programmes.

The cooperation is expected to support the continued development of professional and effective prosecution services in both Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, while strengthening justice institutions, the rule of law and the administration of justice across the Pacific.

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