Heads of Foreign Missions meet in Honiara to review foreign policy priorities and strengthen Solomon Islands’ diplomacy.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, officially opened a two-day Consultation Meeting for Solomon Islands Heads of Missions in Honiara this morning.
The consultation brings together heads and staff of the country’s overseas missions, including those based in Suva, Port Moresby, Canberra, Jakarta, Beijing, New Delhi, New York, Abu Dhabi, Brussels, and the Consular Office in Brisbane.
In his opening remarks, Minister Agovaka reaffirmed the mandate of Solomon Islands’ overseas missions: to promote and safeguard the nation’s interests and reputation abroad through the cultivation of friendly and constructive relationships with other states, as well as regional and international organizations.
He emphasized the Ministry’s vision of a sovereign, independent, and peaceful Solomon Islands—one that strives for economic prosperity and security for its citizens by strengthening diplomatic relations and engaging meaningfully in global affairs.
Over the course of the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and overseas missions will review existing foreign policies and discuss international issues directly affecting Solomon Islands.
“This meeting serves as a vital platform for our heads of missions to share insights, exchange perspectives, and coordinate strategies aligned with our foreign policy and external trade objectives,” Minister Agovaka said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Collin Beck, also addressed the gathering and presented the draft Foreign Policy document. The proposed policy will undergo further consultation before being submitted to Cabinet for approval in August this year.
Deputy Secretary Hickson George delivered a presentation on the Ministry’s Corporate Plan for 2024–2028, along with the Annual Work Plan, outlining key strategic objectives and planned activities for the coming years.
Heads of Divisions within the Ministry presented overviews of their respective branches, highlighting their core functions, ongoing initiatives, and the main challenges they face in implementing the Ministry’s mandate.
Overseas missions shared operational updates and insights into the foreign policy landscape of their host countries, providing context for shaping Solomon Islands’ diplomatic engagement.
The second day of the meeting will include a presentation on the Overseas Service Regulations and contributions from other government ministries and key stakeholders. These sessions aim to strengthen coordination and support for the Ministry’s overseas operations.
SOURCE: MFAET PRESS RELEASE
