Solomon Islands backs Zimbabwe’s 2027–2028 UN Security Council bid after PM Manele meets Minister Murwira.
Monday 2 March 2026 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today met Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, in Honiara to confirm Solomon Islands’ support for Zimbabwe’s 2027–2028 United Nations Security Council bid.
The bilateral meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet marked a significant step in strengthening engagement between Solomon Islands and the Republic of Zimbabwe, including discussions on formalising diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed Professor Murwiram, describing the official visit as historic. He acknowledged the Minister’s distinguished academic and scientific background and his leadership in Zimbabwe’s foreign affairs and international trade portfolio.
“Despite the geographical distance between our two nations, the world has indeed become a global village. By working together, we can amplify our voices on issues of shared interest and concern,” the Prime Minister said.
During the meeting, Minister Murwira conveyed warm greetings from the President of Zimbabwe and formally handed over a letter regarding Zimbabwe’s candidature for the Security Council, as well as documentation confirming his appointment as Special Envoy. The Prime Minister accepted the appointment and expressed appreciation for the gesture.
Zimbabwe is the sole endorsed candidate of the African States Group for the 2027–2028 term and has received backing from the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. Prime Minister Manele acknowledged Zimbabwe’s previous service on the Security Council and expressed confidence that its tenure would advance developing-country priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and emphasised the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. As members of the United Nations, the Group of 77 and China, and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Solomon Islands and Zimbabwe share a common platform for advancing South-South cooperation and development priorities.
Climate change featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders recognising it as a cross-cutting challenge with direct implications for peace and security. Prime Minister Manele emphasised that for Small Island Developing States, climate change is not only an environmental issue but a pressing security concern requiring stronger engagement within the Security Council.
Prime Minister Manele thanked Minister Murwira for the visit and reiterated Solomon Islands’ full support for Zimbabwe’s candidature in the forthcoming Security Council elections in June 2026.
He reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ readiness to deepen engagement with Zimbabwe and pursue the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in the spirit of solidarity among developing countries and shared commitment to multilateralism.
For context, the Security Council comprises five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER PRESS RELEASE
