Port Moresby – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele met with the French Ambassador to the Pacific and Permanent Representative to the Pacific Community, Her Excellency Ms. Veronique Roger-Lacan, for bilateral talks on the margins of regional engagements in Port Moresby.
The French Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Manele on Solomon Islands’ successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara and noted the Leaders’ decision to defer the Post-Forum Dialogue with partners pending a review of the partnership framework.
Prime Minister Manele briefed Ambassador Roger-Lacan on the key outcomes of the Forum Leaders’ Meeting, including the endorsement of the new Partnership Policy to guide engagement with Forum Dialogue Partners, the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty to strengthen climate and disaster resilience, and the Declaration on Peace in the Blue Pacific.
He also acknowledged the important role of partners such as France in supporting maritime security, climate change initiatives, and disaster preparedness across the region.
The situation in New Caledonia featured prominently in discussions. Ambassador Roger-Lacan outlined France’s commitment to an inclusive and peaceful process, stressing the importance of dialogue and non-violence.
Prime Minister Manele, in his capacity as Chair of the PIF Troika, reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ support for constructive regional dialogue and cooperation on the issue.
Both parties agreed that further discussions will continue in consultation with the Pacific Islands Forum and Troika leaders.
On the bilateral front, Prime Minister Manele and Ambassador Roger-Lacan discussed opportunities for collaboration, including the proposed Heritage Museum project in Temotu Province, France’s Green Airports initiative and regional air connectivity, technical cooperation in policing and health legislative gaps concerning drugs, and support for Solomon Islands students conducting research through the Pacific Community (SPC), which facilitates regional research opportunities for Pacific youth.
Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue on the sides of the upcoming Pacific Community Meeting in Tonga next month, with further discussions planned during Ambassador Roger-Lacan’s visit to Solomon Islands later this year.
– OPMC
