Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele met with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the margins of The Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit to advance bilateral cooperation and shared regional priorities.
Prime Minister Manele expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States for convening the summit and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ strong commitment to its longstanding partnership with the United States. He noted that engagements such as the summit provide valuable opportunities to deepen cooperation on economic development, security and regional prosperity.
Reflecting on the enduring relationship between the two countries, the prime minister highlighted the historical bonds forged through shared sacrifice during the Battle of Guadalcanal and acknowledged continued United States support for Solomon Islands’ national development priorities.
Building on this shared history, Manele conveyed the Government’s appreciation for United States assistance in addressing unexploded ordnance (UXO) through ongoing clearance efforts supported by The HALO Trust programme.
He emphasised that more than 80 years after the Second World War, UXO contamination continues to pose serious safety risks, claim lives and remain a significant impediment to development across Solomon Islands. Deputy Secretary Landau acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by UXO and indicated he would follow up with relevant officials to strengthen cooperation in clearance efforts.
Discussions also focused on expanding economic cooperation and investment opportunities. Manele expressed Solomon Islands’ interest in engaging with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), noting the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector growth. He acknowledged that high energy costs remain a major constraint to investment, identifying affordable and reliable energy as a key national priority.
The prime minister also outlined strategic development initiatives, including the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project, and highlighted fisheries as one of Solomon Islands’ most valuable economic resources with strong potential for partnership and sustainable growth.
The meeting further reviewed ongoing collaboration under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Program. Manele reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to working closely with the United States towards a future full Compact arrangement aimed at supporting economic reform, sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
Beyond economic cooperation, both sides acknowledged the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. Manele emphasised education diplomacy and highlighted public health challenges facing Solomon Islands, particularly malaria and dengue, noting that disease eradication remains an ongoing national challenge requiring sustained partnership.
Regional and maritime security cooperation also featured in discussions, including collaboration through the proposed Shiprider Agreement to address transnational crime and illegal activities within Solomon Islands’ maritime domain.
Manele confirmed that the agreement would be revisited by Cabinet through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside progress towards ratification of relevant transnational crime conventions.
Deputy Secretary Landau welcomed Manele’s participation at the summit and described the bilateral relationship as entering a renewed phase of engagement, reaffirming the United States’ readiness to pursue a fresh start in cooperation with Solomon Islands. Manele, in turn, reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to constructive re-engagement and a strengthened partnership with the United States.
He assured Landau that Solomon Islands would review relevant modalities with the United States regarding potential future cooperation. Manele also acknowledged ongoing engagement towards renewing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Recovery and Repatriation of World War II Personnel Remains between Solomon Islands and the United States.
The prime minister also informed Landau of Solomon Islands’ upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in 2028 and outlined plans to invite development partners to join Solomon Islanders in commemorating this important national milestone.
