Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Jeremiah Manele has welcomed the announcement made by the U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to re-establish the U.S Embassy in Honiara.
The announcement was made by Secretary Blinken during the US–Pacific Island Leaders Meeting held on Saturday in Fiji.
Foreign Minister Manele assured Secretary Blinken that the Government stands ready to work with U.S diplomats to make this happen.
During the meeting, Minister Manele used the opportunity to acknowledge the bilateral assistance provided by US in the country.
On COVID-19 response, Minister Manele acknowledge the support provided by the US through the COVAX facility for the delivery of Pfizer vaccines last year and for additional Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines that will be delivered in the coming months.
On climate change, Minister Manele reiterated that climate change remains the single greatest threat facing the region and the current low ambition under the Paris Agreement creates an uncertain future for Pacific Islands.
He said Solomon Islands looks to United States for leadership and those with resources to take more ambitious climate action, contribute generously to Green Climate Fund and honour the annual US$100-billion- pledge.
Manele also acknowledged the support by U.S Government through MCC Threshold programme with a commitment of USD$20 million, signed on 27 of January this year, and the USAID-Scale programme.
Minister Manele reaffirmed government’s support and look forward to deepen its bilateral cooperation and engagement with the US and also look forward for the expansion of USAID programme across the country.
On the issue of UXOs, Foreign Minister also highlighted impediments associated with it, urging Secretary of State Blinken to address their concerns of unexploded ordinances in the Pacific Island nation.
On people to people connection, Minister Manele said Solomon Islands looks forward to welcoming the Peace Corps again to Solomon Islands since the programme ceased in 2002.
He said the Solomon Islands shares a mutual connection with the Peace Corp programme, through the legacy of President Kennedy who served in the Solomon Islands, during World War II and later initiated the programme.
The Solomon Islands Government hopes the Agreement that facilitates the resumption of the programme can be concluded soon.
Foreign Minister Manele joined other Pacific Leaders attending the meeting to discuss regional issues affecting the region such as climate change, COVID-19, sustainable development, oceans, and regional security.
Pacific Leaders acknowledge the support rendered by the U.S over the years and look forward to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration with US to address common issues and challenges faced by the region.
Minister Manele attended the meeting virtually from Honiara.
SOURCE: SOLOMON TIMES ONLINE/PACNEWS
