Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands

The mission's special coordinator made the distinction after a Pacific Islands Forum meeting last week alluded to the mission being decommissioned in September.

Quinton Devlin says this is not the case, saying that the Forum Leaders' meeting in September will simply be an opportunity to consider the progress achieved by Solomon Islands.

He says the Forum's announcement in September would be a mere formality before the Australian-led mission leaves Solomon Islands next June, after 14 years.

Speaking during a press conference held after the meeting PM Sogavare thanked everyone who turned up for the high level talk, while warmly welcoming the presence of the New Zealand delegation into the country.

Sogavare reiterated on the historical friendship of both countries, which has been in existence for 37 years now since Solomon Islands gained independence.