Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele, met with the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, Wednesday morning on the margins of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss regional priorities, bilateral relations, and key developments emerging from the Forum.
Prime Minister Brown commended Prime Minister Manele for the open-air welcome ceremony for Forum Leaders, describing it as a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
He also praised the decision to defer the Post-Forum Dialogue Partners meeting, noting that it allows leaders to focus on Pacific priorities.
Prime Minister Brown said while some media reports have suggested Solomon Islands was “blocking” dialogue partners, the decision was in fact a deferral, and he assured his full support for the Forum Chair’s approach.
The Cook Islands leader highlighted several important outcomes expected to be signed in Honiara, including the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility and the historic Ocean of Peace Declaration.
He said the Ocean of Peace Declaration comes at a crucial time when the Pacific is facing growing external interest, and added that Solomon Islands will be remembered for hosting these landmark agreements.
Prime Minister Manele expressed his appreciation for the Cook Islands’ understanding and support.
He reaffirmed that while Dialogue Partners remain important stakeholders, discussions must take place on the terms and conditions of Forum members and host countries.
He also noted the positive response from civil society and the private sector to the space provided for their engagement with leaders this year.
The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands, grounded in shared connections through sports, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the Cook Islands’ leadership as host of the 52nd Forum Leaders Meeting and thanked Prime Minister Brown for his support of the Pacific Resilience Facility, which will provide critical assistance to Pacific countries vulnerable to climate change.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, reaffirming both leaders’ commitment to continued cooperation and stronger bilateral relations.
– OPMC
