U.S. non-resident Ambassador discussed key cooperation areas with Prime Minister Manele

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Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele met with Her Excellency Ann Marie Yastishock, the non-resident U.S. Ambassador to Solomon Islands, in Honiara.

At the outset, Manele expressed Solomon Islands’ appreciation for the longstanding relationship with the United States, acknowledging the invaluable support received over the years. He highlighted significant USAID programs such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), UXO programs, and health and humanitarian services.

Manele welcomed the possibility of increased focus on transformative projects, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy. He emphasized that such initiatives would drive economic growth and prosperity across the nation. The Prime Minister reiterated Solomon Islands’ openness to continuing its development partnership with the U.S., stressing the importance of transparent and collaborative relations.

The Prime Minister reassured the U.S. Ambassador that Solomon Islands remains vigilant and guided by its national security strategy, particularly in light of evolving global and regional security dynamics. The Solomon Islands government continues to prioritize the protection of its sovereignty, addressing both internal and external security threats, while adhering to its foreign policy of being “friends to all and enemies to none.”

He explained, the government’s national security focus includes areas critical to the well-being of its people, such as climate change, food, water, and health security. The Prime Minister stressed that Solomon Islands commits to addressing these challenges through development and economic growth initiatives.

Her Excellency Ann Marie Yastishock said the U.S commits to a more broad and expansive partnership with the Solomon Islands.

The US. Non-resident Ambassador also announced, the Trump administration will be making fresh nomination for a resident ambassador to Solomon Islands as the individual ear-marked for the assignment could not make it through the selection process.

Ambassador Yastishock adds, various USAID programs in the country have been successful. The Strengthening Competitiveness, Agribusiness, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) is a $25 million program designed to unlock economic opportunity and increase trade over the long-run; improve natural resource management, including forest governance; promote agribusiness and small enterprise development; and expand critical small-scale infrastructure. The Five year program ends this year.

The other is the US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Fund Threshold Program Grant Agreement. The USD $20 million program has helped reduce poverty and increase economic growth by supporting government efforts to manage natural resources and increase tourism investment.

Solomon Islands is however concerned, the escalating global conflicts might overshadow critical issues such as climate change, ocean sustainability, and sustainable development that are vital to Solomon Islands and the Pacific, Manele.

The Prime Minister and Her Excellency Yastishock also discussed the ongoing challenges posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Solomon Islands which continues to hinder development and cause loss of innocent lives.

Solomon Islands and the U.S also discussed potential markets for exports and bilateral scholarships.

Manele reiterated Solomon Islands’ commitment to its friendship with the United States and expressed hope for continued strong relations in development, security, and economic growth.

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