Serbia and Solomon Islands deepen ties through cooperation in energy, education, digitalisation, tourism and sports.
Solomon Islands and Serbia are moving to translate their growing bilateral relationship into practical development outcomes, with cooperation being explored in renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community development.
This was the focus of discussions between Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr and Serbia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E. Rade Stefanovic, during a bilateral meeting today in Koror, Palau.
Ambassador Stefanovic said Serbia had received approval to explore a bilateral development cooperation programme with Solomon Islands, with an emphasis on small-scale, community-based projects that can deliver direct benefits to people.
“Serbia is a small country but we have a sincere approach to helping our partners as much as we can,” he said.
Serbia has supported similar community-focused initiatives in other Pacific countries, including projects in solar energy, water and sanitation, and education.
Minister Kenilorea welcomed the approach, and he stated that Solomon Islands is seeking partnerships that deliver tangible benefits at the community level.
“The community-focused approach is particularly welcome. We are interested in small projects that have a direct impact on people and communities,” Minister Kenilorea said.
He said the Government would work with Serbia to identify projects consistent with Solomon Islands’ national priorities, particularly in areas such as energy and education.
Serbia also signalled its intention to contribute to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), adding to its support for Pacific climate resilience and sustainable development priorities.
The bilateral meeting also reviewed progress on existing agreements, including the visa waiver agreement and an MOU on political consultations.
Serbia has completed its domestic procedures for the visa waiver agreement and is awaiting confirmation from Solomon Islands before the agreement can enter into force. Minister Kenilorea undertook to follow up on this matter.
Both sides also expressed interest in activating the political consultations mechanism to strengthen regular senior-level engagement and follow through on agreed areas of cooperation.
Education remains a key opportunity, with Serbia offering scholarships in fields including medicine, engineering, information technology, forestry and agriculture. Serbia also offered to share expertise in digitalisation and e-government, drawing on its experience in developing online public services.
Sports cooperation is also being advanced, with both sides working towards finalising an existing sports cooperation agreement.
Ambassador Stefanovic further invited Solomon Islands to participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, including through the Pacific Century Pavilion, providing an international platform to promote Solomon Islands’ culture, tourism, traditional arts, music and sports.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen relations and turn diplomatic goodwill into practical cooperation that supports Solomon Islands’ development priorities and delivers meaningful benefits for its people.
SOURCE// Office Of Prime Prime Minister
