Port Vila, Vanuatu | 25 August 2026
The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, through the Office of the Public Prosecutor, has strengthened its bilateral cooperation with Papua New Guinea following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Vanuatu and the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Papua New Guinea.
The MOU was signed today in Port Vila by Vanuatu's Public Prosecutor, Mr Simcha Boe Blessing, and Papua New Guinea's Public Prosecutor, Ms Helen Roalakona, who is currently visiting Vanuatu with a delegation from Papua New Guinea.
The signing represents an important milestone in strengthening institutional and professional cooperation between the prosecution services of the two Pacific nations.
Under the MOU, the two prosecution offices will establish a framework for cooperation in key areas, including:
- Professional exchanges and engagement between prosecutors and legal professionals;
- Training and professional capacity building;
- Exchange of prosecutorial knowledge, expertise and experience;
- Sharing of information and professional practices; and
- Strengthening institutional cooperation between the two prosecution services.
Speaking at the signing, Vanuatu's Public Prosecutor, Mr Simcha Boe Blessing, said the MOU provides an important platform for the two prosecution services to strengthen their professional relationship and learn from each other.
"This Memorandum of Understanding provides a strong foundation for greater cooperation between our two prosecution offices. 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."
Mr Boe Blessing said the agreement also demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening justice institutions across the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea's Public Prosecutor, Ms Helen Roalakona, welcomed the signing and highlighted the importance of building stronger professional links between the two prosecution services.
"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. By sharing our experiences, expertise and professional knowledge, we can support the continued development of stronger prosecution services in both countries."
Ms Roalakona said the cooperation would also provide opportunities for professional development through exchanges, training and capacity building.
The cooperation is intended to support the continued development of professional and effective prosecution services in both countries. It will provide opportunities for prosecutors and legal officers to strengthen their skills, exchange experiences and learn from the respective legal and prosecutorial practices of Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
The signing also reflects the longstanding relationship between Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea as wantok countries, and their shared commitment to strengthening justice institutions, the rule of law and the effective administration of justice.
The MOU provides a practical foundation for continued engagement between the two prosecution offices and demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening professional standards and institutional capacity within the justice sector.
The Government of Vanuatu recognises regional cooperation as an important component in strengthening justice systems and responding effectively to emerging legal and prosecutorial challenges across the Pacific.
Through this MOU, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea reaffirm their commitment to working together, sharing knowledge and expertise, and supporting stronger and more capable prosecution services for the benefit of their respective people and the wider Pacific region.
