Прокуратуры Вануату и Папуа — Новой Гвинеи подписали соглашение о сотрудничестве

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Vanuatu and its Papua New Guinea (PNG) counterpart have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation, build capacity and share knowledge and experience between the two prosecution agencies. The agreement aims to develop closer professional ties between prosecutors in the two Melanesian countries, which share geographical, cultural and historical connections and face similar challenges in administering justice. Vanuatu’s Public Prosecutor, Simcha Blessing Boe, said the agreement was an important step in strengthening the relationship between the two offices. “We share geography, we share cultural ties and traditions, and many of the same realities of administering justice across our institutions. We operate within similar environments and confront many of the same challenges,” he said. He said prosecutors in both countries shared the same fundamental responsibility to uphold justice independently and without fear, favour or ill will. Boe said the similarities between the two offices created opportunities for prosecutors to learn from each other, while differences in their approaches, practices and solutions could provide valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences. He said the MOU should result in a practical and meaningful partnership rather than simply being an agreement that remains on paper. “We want a meaningful partnership. A partnership that works, not just something we sign, but something we can use,” Boe said. He said the agreement should facilitate exchanges of knowledge and experience and stronger communication between the two prosecution agencies. Boe said the ultimate beneficiaries of the partnership should be the people of Vanuatu and PNG. “It’s not for us or for our own benefit. It’s for the people that we serve,” he said. He said he hoped the agreement would mark the beginning of a lasting relationship in which prosecutors from both countries could work together and provide mutual support. Public Prosecutor of PNG Helen Roalakona welcomed the agreement and congratulated Boe on his appointment. Roalakona said discussions leading to the agreement were driven by the shared history, culture and connections between the two countries. She said partnerships between Pacific countries were becoming increasingly important as they faced challenges that crossed national borders. “As the world grows smaller, we all need each other. And especially as Melanesians, when we already share a common cultural heritage, it is easier for us to share common problems and also find common solutions,” Roalakona said. She said the agreement marked the first time the two prosecution agencies had formally come together to support each other through capacity building. Roalakona said the partnership represented a move towards Melanesian countries working together to address their own challenges rather than relying primarily on developed countries for assistance. “Most times we look at other developed countries to come and develop us. But today we are looking within ourselves to find solutions for our problems,” she said. She said the initiative demonstrated leadership and ownership in addressing law and order issues within the region. Roalakona said PNG was committed to sharing its knowledge and experience with Vanuatu while also learning from Vanuatu’s experience. “We don’t have all the answers in PNG, and we don’t do everything right in PNG as well. This is an opportunity for us to learn from being here in Vanuatu, and vice versa,” she said. She said cooperation between prosecution and law enforcement agencies was particularly important in addressing transnational crime. “When we build strong prosecution agencies, when we build strong law enforcement agencies, we build a safer and more secure community,” she said. Roalakona said the agreement would also strengthen professional relationships between prosecutors in the two countries and allow both sides to share their experiences, challenges and successes. She said the partnership marked the beginning of a longer-term relationship between the two offices, with prosecutors on both sides expected to continue working together to strengthen justice systems in the two Melanesian countries.