Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele met with the French Ambassador to the Pacific Veronique Roger-Lacan for bilateral talks on the sidelines of regional engagements in Port Moresby.
The ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Manele on Solomon Islands’ successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara. The Prime Minister briefed her on key outcomes, including:
• Endorsement of the new Partnership Policy
• Signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty
• Declaration on Peace in the Blue Pacific
“We are pleased with the outcomes of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting, and we look forward to working with our partners to implement these initiatives,” Manele said.
The two leaders discussed the situation in New Caledonia, with Ambassador Roger-Lacan outlining France’s commitment to an inclusive and peaceful process.
“France is committed to an inclusive and peaceful process in New Caledonia, and we stress the importance of dialogue and non-violence,” she said.
Manele reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ support for constructive regional dialogue and cooperation. “As Chair of the PIF Troika, we will continue to support constructive regional dialogue and cooperation on this issue,” he said.
The leaders also explored opportunities for bilateral collaboration, including:
• The Heritage Museum project in Temotu Province
• France’s Green Airports initiative and regional air connectivity
• Technical cooperation in policing and health
• Support for Solomon Islands students conducting research through the Pacific Community (SPC)
“We are excited about the potential for collaboration between our countries, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue,” Manele said.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions at the upcoming Pacific Community meeting in Tonga and during Ambassador Roger-Lacan’s visit to Solomon Islands later this year.
