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New British and New Zealand High Commissioners meet PM Manele, focus on strengthening bilateral relations with Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, MP, this week welcomed two new high commissioners to the Solomon Islands, signaling a new chapter in diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The high commissioners, His Excellency Paul Turner and His Excellency Jonathan Andrew Curr, replace their predecessors, Thomas Coward and Jonathan Schwass, respectively.
British High Commissioner Paul Turner was the first to present himself to the Prime Minister in a courtesy call, during which they discussed the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between the Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the UK’s long-standing relationship with the country, noting it was one of the first nations to establish diplomatic ties following the Solomon Islands’ independence in 1978.
PM Manele outlined his government’s priorities, with economic growth and job creation for the country’s rapidly growing population at the forefront. He also emphasized education and health as key sectors for further cooperation with the UK. The Prime Minister thanked the UK for its ongoing support, particularly in offering scholarships that foster people-to-people connections, as well as its assistance to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) for coverage of the 2023 Pacific Games.
Additionally, the discussion included the UK’s contributions to climate change efforts and its role in supporting the Solomon Islands’ extended continental shelf submissions. In response, High Commissioner Turner expressed a desire to expand bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as trade, climate change, and the local cocoa industry. He highlighted his personal goal of achieving tangible outcomes in the cocoa sector during his time in the Solomon Islands.
In the same week, Prime Minister Manele also welcomed New Zealand’s newly appointed High Commissioner, Jonathan Andrew Curr, who replaced Jonathan Schwass. Curr, who presented his Letter of Introduction to the Prime Minister, was greeted with a warm exchange of gifts, symbolizing the friendly ties between the two nations.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged New Zealand’s extensive contributions to the Solomon Islands across a range of sectors, including national security, education, fisheries, health, and trade. He also highlighted the Bina Harbour development project and New Zealand’s involvement in regional security through the Forum Fisheries Agency’s surveillance program.
High Commissioner Curr expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to further strengthening its relationship with the Solomon Islands. He emphasized that his mission is to continue supporting the country’s development and foster deeper cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, economic growth, and regional security.
Both new high commissioners expressed their dedication to expanding collaboration with the Solomon Islands, focusing on key priorities such as trade, climate change, and regional security. Their appointments signal a continued commitment from the United Kingdom and New Zealand to support the Solomon Islands in achieving its development goals.
Source: OPMC Press Secretariat
