Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele left the country on Friday for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
PM Manele will be in Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE, to participate in the opening of the country’s firstever embassy.
UAE has become one of our important bilateral partners, and we share areas of common interests.
The opening of the embassy symbolizes the confidence and trust the country had in the bilateral relationship with UAE, more so it presents an opportunity for Solomon Islands to pursue areas of cooperation with UAE.
Solomon Islands new embassy in UAE is manned by Cornelius Walegarea who used to be the deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
After the opening of the country’s embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minster will travel to Saudi Arabia for his state visit.
Saudi Arabia has become an important bilateral partner to Solomon Islands, and the state visit will further cement our relationship with the Saudis.
Prime Minister will use the opportunity to acknowledge Saudi Arabia’s grant assistance of SBD 58 million to the successful hosting of the Pacific Games 2023.
Other areas of cooperation likely to be pursued including strengthening of people to people relationship, agriculture, fisheries, and other business and trade opportunities.
Prime Minister is expected back in the country on 7th of October 2024.
In his weeklong absence Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Rodo Smoky Tovosia will be the Acting PM.
