Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United States during celebrations marking the 249th Independence Anniversary of the United States of America.
Speaking at the official reception hosted at the Heritage Park Hotel on Tuesday, Prime Minister Manele congratulated the Government and people of the United States on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands.
He said the occasion was not only about celebrating the achievements of the past but also about building stronger ties for the future.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the historical relationship between Solomon Islands and the United States dating back to World War II, which continues to influence cooperation today.
The Solomon Islands Government remains committed to working with the United States to accelerate unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance across the country, noting that “this remains a national priority as we remember all who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice in Solomon Islands from both sides.”
Prime Minister Manele highlighted the evolving nature of bilateral and regional relations, particularly amid global economic disruptions and geopolitical shifts, and called for innovative cooperation to deepen economic integration. He also expressed Solomon Islands’ desire for a reciprocal visa arrangement with the United States to further strengthen people-to-people connections.
He acknowledged the long-standing partnership through the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, urging timely fulfilment of treaty obligations, and welcomed the United States Government’s decision to continue supporting Solomon Islands through the Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Programme and the HALO Trust’s UXO clearance initiatives.
“As incoming Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands looks forward to stronger U.S. engagement in the region, support for multilateralism and regionalism, and the continuation of constructive partnerships that contribute to Pacific development and resilience,” the Prime Minister said.
The anniversary celebrations were hosted by the United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Ann Marie Yastishock.
Prime Minister Manele walked from his office to the Heritage Park Hotel to attend the celebrations, an initiative he launched on Tuesday as part of his personal commitment to physical wellbeing and active leadership.
– OPMC
