Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele successful held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Dr. ʻAisake Valu Eke, on the margins of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Prime Minister Eke congratulated Prime Minister Manele for the opening program of the Forum, describing it as a proud showcase of Solomon Islands’ rich and diverse culture.
He also pledged Tonga’s full support to Prime Minister Manele as he assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Prime Minister Eke thanked Solomon Islands for its support in reviewing the regional architecture and highlighted the strong historical ties between the two nations, particularly through church connections.
He further expressed Tonga’s interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed Prime Minister Eke to Solomon Islands and acknowledged Tonga’s leadership of the Forum.
He commended Tonga for its stewardship under the previous Prime Minister and since Prime Minister Eke took office in January 2025.
He also thanked Tonga for its contribution to the Forum Troika.
Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the deep and enduring ties between Solomon Islands and Tonga, noting their shared history through church, sports, and people-to-people links.
He said Solomon Islands looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Tonga and to continued fruitful discussions during the Forum Leaders’ sessions this week.
The bilateral meeting concluded with a gift exchange ceremony, symbolising the reaffirmation of the strong relationship between the two countries.
– OPMC
