Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele receives Australian High Commissioner-designate Jeff Roach, reaffirming Solomon Islands–Australia ties
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Wednesday 14 January 2026 – Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele received Australian High Commissioner-designate Jeff Roach in Honiara this morning to formally accept his letter of introduction.
Mr. Roach, a senior career officer with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, presented his official letter alongside a personal message from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Following formal protocol, the leaders exchanged views on priority areas for bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to a continued and respectful partnership.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed Mr. Roach back to Honiara, acknowledging his extensive experience in the Pacific. Mr. Roach most recently led the Australian Government’s initiatives on the Tuvalu–Australia Falepili Union and the Nauru–Australia Treaty, and has previously served as High Commissioner to Vanuatu and Deputy Head of Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.
On trade and economic development, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation as Solomon Islands prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027.
“Trade and economic cooperation is very important to Solomon Islands as we move towards LDC graduation, and PACER Plus remains important and critical for our country,” Prime Minister Manele said.
He noted that a Transition Strategy is already in place to manage the phasing out of special LDC support measures.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, crediting it with helping to address youth unemployment. He proposed exploring new opportunities in Early Childhood Education, building on the success of Solomon Islanders currently working in Australia’s aged care sector.
“Solomon Islands appreciates the opportunities for our people under the PALM scheme, and we are looking at further areas for cooperation including Early Childhood Education,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Manele thanked Australia for its continued support in health, education, policing, and infrastructure, including the Tina River Hydro Project and the partnership with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). He also acknowledged the deep “people-to-people links” in sports, church, and education that strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Regional leadership was also discussed, with the Prime Minister noting his role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
“As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands will play a crucial role in leading the Pre-COP31 Summit, which will be an important opportunity for Pacific Island countries to present our collective issues,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister concluded by wishing Mr. Roach, who has also held postings in France and Laos, success in his new role and expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.
SOURCE : OPMC Media Release
