PM Bob Loughman Weibur

The ceremony which also featured the official closure of the week-long Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat ‘haus krai’ was jointly organised with the Vanuatu Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ‘haus krai' was officially opened last Friday by Deputy Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau.

The event, which was attended by senior Government officials, Heads of Regional Organisations and members of the Diplomatic Corp, coincided with the state funeral and burial service for Somare.

Somare, the founding father of Papua New Guinea passed away late last month.

The week-long ‘haus krai’ has been hosted by the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the secretariat headquarters.

MSG Acting Director General, George Hoa'au said the closure will coincide with the state funeral of Sir Michael.

Last night dozens of people attended a candle light vigil at the ‘haus krai’.

Sir Micheal, PNG’s longest serving leader died in Port Moresby last month.

He is one of the founding fathers of the MSG.

He will be laid to rest in his home province East Sepik.

The PM met Digicel (Vanuatu) CEO Deepak Khanna in Port Vila.

"I thank you for playing your part despite your transmission equipments have been badly hit by the Category 5 cyclone in the northern region on April 6th this year" PM Loughman said.

Mr Khanna provided an update on the progress made so far in the last month in restoring 98% of the affected network.

Photo supplied Caption: Prime Minister Bob Loughman Weibur meets with Digicel (Vanuatu) CEO Deepak Khanna.