The Solomon Islands will re-open its Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva, signalling a renewed commitment to deepening its diplomatic engagement with Switzerland, the United Nations Organization, the World Trade Organization and other International Organisations and agencies based in Geneva.
Foreign Minister Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka signed a Memorundum of Understanding (MOU) with HE Mr. Thomas Gurdier, Deputy Foreign Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland on Monday 17th of November 2025, to begin the process of establishing the Mission.
The MOU formalizes the initial steps towards re-establishing the Solomon Islands presence in Geneva, a strategic hub for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation.
The opening of the Embassy and Permanent Mission will enhance Solomon Islands engagement with the UN Agencies, WTO, and other International Organizations and the Government of Switzerland in advancing development, trade and cultural collaboration.
The move reinforces the Solomon Islands commitment and active participation in regional and global diplomacy and to strengthening ties with Switzerland as a key partner.
Speaking at the signing of the MOU, Minister Agovaka stated “This milestone, reaffirms our enduring friendship and shared commitment in International cooperation”.
He also used the opportunity to acknowledge on behalf of Solomon Islands the offer of financial assistance by the Swiss Government in subsidizing the re-opening of the Permanent Mission.
Minister Agovaka further acknowledged the longstanding friendship and shared values between Solomon Islands and Switzerland, emphasizing mutual commitment to multilateralism, sustainable Development, and support for small islands developing states.
In response, Ambassador Thomas Guerber, Deputy State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, welcomed Minister’s delegation to Geneva and highlighted the importance of Solomon Islands presence and Pacific representation in Geneva which added value to Geneva’s diplomatic partnership as great host to multilateral Organizations and agencies. He further stated that Switzerland stands ready to support Solomon Islands as they enter into the process of the Mission’s re-establishment.
Solomon Islands previously had a Permanent Mission in Geneva until it was closed at the end of 2020.
The process of re-establishing the Permanent Mission will begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The Hon Agovaka is also in Geneva this week to represent Solomon Islands at the Conference of the Parties (COP11) on Tobacco Control.
– Govt Com Unit
