The European Union (EU) has announced its ongoing commitment to the Solomon Islands (SI) with the largest development budget among Pacific nations, excluding Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This commitment was one of the outcomes during a meeting between the Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, and the EU’s newly designated Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Ms. Barbara Plinkert.
H.E Ms. Plinkert highlighted the EU’s contributions to the Solomon Islands, which include extensive investments in infrastructure, water and sanitation, governance, climate resilience, and provincial government service delivery during a meeting with the Minister, Thursday last week in Honiara.
With Solomon Islands identified as a key recipient of EU development funds in the Pacific, both parties discussed strategic areas for further collaboration as they approach the midpoint of the EU’s seven-year programming period (2021-2027).
“Our cooperation has been both productive and transformative,” stated Ambassador Plinkert. “We are committed to supporting Solomon Islands with critical resources to bolster local infrastructure, governance, and climate resilience.
“This meeting allows us to evaluate the future course of our partnership and ensure that resources are allocated where they can have the most impact.”
Minister Ramofafia highlighted the EU’s role as a key development partner, citing its extensive support for national programs including the Rural Development Program (RDP) that concluded in 2020.
“For example, the RDP, which concluded in 2020, was significantly supported by the EU and managed by our Ministry. Additionally, in 2019, I signed a governance program to support the provincial government’s institutional strengthening, which remains a priority for us.
The EU has supported Solomon Islands in various sectors, including ; the transport sector both roads and marine infrastructure, Rural development including agriculture, fisheries and forestry, micro projects and contribution to the Rural Development Program (RDP, implemented over 14 years covering all 172 wards in Solomon Islands), the Education sector especially the support to the Rural training centres, Governance sector and other institutional capacity strengthening initiates, Water sanitation, health, renewable energy ,climate change, trade, budget supports and support to the non-state actors.
“We look forward to a fruitful partnership with your administration and appreciate your recognition of our role as a key focal point for coordinating development cooperation, including with the EU.”
The Minister also acknowledged EU’s continued commitment under the recently signed Samoa Agreement towards end last year under the current Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) and the Pacific Multi-Country & Regional Multi- Annual Indicative Programmes 2021-2027.
“I would like to acknowledge the EU’s continued support and longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands, which has been substantial across sectors, including infrastructure development and funding.
The Minister also seeks EU to re-establish an office here in Honiara, which would enhance partnership by facilitating closer interaction with the Solomon Islands Government and citizens and build closer coordination on development programs and enhanced support for Solomon Islands’ strategic objectives.
Her Excellency Ms Plinkert expressed her enthusiasm for the proposed initiative, and noted that she will consult the EU Headquarter in regards to having a presence in Honiara.
She also affirmed the EU’s commitment to exploring impactful, high-value projects for the remaining years of the current programming period.
“Solomon Islands is uniquely positioned to leverage transformative EU investments, and this relationship continues to yield mutual benefits for sustainable growth and regional integration,” added Ambassador Plinkert.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision for increased infrastructure and climate-resilient investments, ensuring that Solomon Islands has the support needed to meet its pressing development goals.
