PM Manele Returns after Successful International Engagements

PM Manele returns after UN, OPEC, and MSG meetings focused on oceans, climate, trade, and Melanesian cooperation

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 — Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has returned to the country following a series of high-level international engagements across Europe and the Pacific.

He departed Honiara on Wednesday, 4 June, to attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Vienna, and the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Meeting in Suva.

In Nice, Manele participated in the third United Nations Ocean Conference, which brought together global leaders to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 14 and address growing threats to ocean health. He met with Pacific and international partners to emphasise Solomon Islands’ ocean priorities and advocate for increased global support to Small Island Developing States.

In Vienna, the Prime Minister took part in the OPEC Fund Development Forum, held under the theme “A Transition that Empowers Our Tomorrow.” Discussions focused on climate finance, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. Manele met with OPEC Fund officials to explore opportunities for greater support to Solomon Islands in infrastructure, renewable energy, and resilience-building initiatives.

The final leg of the trip took him to Suva for the 23rd MSG Leaders’ Meeting, hosted by Fiji. Leaders from member countries discussed regional cooperation, trade, security, and climate action under the theme “A Peaceful and Prosperous Melanesia.” Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to the MSG and its role in promoting Melanesian unity and development.

During the trip, the Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with fellow leaders and development partners, including a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in France. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in fisheries, development financing, and broader regional partnerships.

SOURCE : OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT