Jeremiah Manele meets US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau to strengthen Solomon Islands–US cooperation.
Honolulu, Hawaii, Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele yesterday 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 said engagements such as the Summit provide 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 during the Battle of Guadalcanal and acknowledged continued United States support toward Solomon Islands’ national development priorities.
Prime Minister Manele conveyed the Government’s appreciation for United States assistance in addressing unexploded ordnance (UXO) through clearance efforts supported by The HALO Trust. He noted that more than 80 years after the Second World War, UXO contamination continues to pose serious safety risks, claim lives, and hinder development across Solomon Islands. Deputy Secretary Landau acknowledged the ongoing challenges 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. Prime Minister 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 and identified affordable and reliable energy as a national priority.
The Prime Minister 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 also reviewed collaboration under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Program. Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to working toward a future full Compact arrangement to support economic reform, sustainable growth, and poverty reduction.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Manele highlighted education diplomacy and public health challenges, particularly malaria and dengue, noting that disease eradication remains a continuing national priority requiring sustained partnership.
Regional and maritime security cooperation was also discussed, including collaboration through the proposed Shiprider Agreement to address transnational crime and illegal activities within Solomon Islands’ maritime domain. Prime Minister Manele confirmed the agreement would be revisited by Cabinet through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside progress toward ratification of relevant transnational crime conventions.
Deputy Secretary Landau welcomed Prime Minister 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 strengthened cooperation. Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to constructive re-engagement and partnership.
He also acknowledged ongoing engagement toward 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. Prime Minister Manele informed Deputy Secretary Landau of Solomon Islands’ upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in 2028 and plans to invite development partners to join in commemorating the milestone.
SOURCE: PMO Press Release
