By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands is set to host four major meetings in the capital this year.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele outlined the events during his press conference on Monday this week.

He said the first meeting the country will host is the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association meeting later this month.

Manele stated that we anticipate to have more than 300 professionals from more than 30 countries grazing our shores for this event for a period of 5 to 6 days.

He mentioned that he understands that more than 300 hotel rooms have already been booked for the event.

As stated, we will also be hosting the PACER Plus Joint Committee meeting on the 5th and 6th of May at Mendana Hotel.

Manele said this meeting will bring delegates from all countries who are part of the PACER Plus Initiative.

He went on to state that later in the year, from 25th to 29th August, the country will host the Pacific Water Ministers Forum and Water Management Regional Meeting.

Manele said the meeting will be chaired by Bradley Tovosia, Deputy Prime Minister and will take place just about 10 days prior to the fourth meeting in the country which is the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leader’s meeting.

He added that the PIF meeting will be held from the 8th to 12th of September and this is the second time Solomon Islands will be hosting the regional event since 1992.

Manele said while the event is primarily a regional event, given its status as the annual meeting of Pacific leaders, it is also a large international gathering with high-level delegations coming from many countries as well as regional and international organizations.

As noted, up to 1500 people are expected to attend the meeting hence it is important that our hotels are ready to accommodate them.

Manele said the organizing committee for this event as well as for the Pacific Water Ministers Meeting have already commenced their work.

“I am very happy to inform you all that we are tracking very well with our plans to successfully host these two major regional events.

My future press conferences will provide updates on progress in our preparations as we move towards the two meetings.”

Manele said as our country opens up to receive guests, internationally we must ensure that we welcome them with open arms as we did during the 2023 Pacific games.

“I also seek the support of our Honiara citizens to please help in keeping our city clean again as we did in the 2023 Pacific games.”

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