Mr Fono stated that it was a positive step in the right direction when Manasseh Sogavare formally received the newly appointed High Commissioner for Australia, Peter Hooton.

"But more still needs to be done the government should surrender Moti so that this county can move forward with the rebuilding process." Mr Fono said.

Mr Fono also suggested a bi-partisan approach as it would reflect the importance of mending the soured diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.