The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP, received the visiting United States Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands within the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr. Matt Murray, during a courtesy call in Honiara.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial partnership between Solomon Islands and the United States, and provided a constructive platform for the exchange of views on a range of priority areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
Deliberations focused, inter alia, on the advancement of the proposed Incentive Investment Agreement between Solomon Islands and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Both Solomon Islands and US underscored the prospective value of this instrument as a catalytic framework for mobilizing increased private sector investment while also laying the groundwork for future engagement under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) framework.
The two sides further expressed their shared intention to progress toward the formalization of Peace Corps engagement in Solomon Islands upon the completion of requisite national processes.
Deputy Prime Minister Sogavare highlighted ongoing progress under the MCC Threshold Programme, implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination in close collaboration with relevant sector ministries.
The programme places strategic emphasis on strengthening tourism development and forest governance, with notable achievements including support for critical tourism infrastructure and the establishment of protected forest areas. Solomon Islands conveyed its appreciation for the programme and reiterated its aspiration to advance toward eligibility for a future MCC Compact Agreement.
The Solomon Islands acknowledged its current Tier 2 Watch List status with respect to trafficking in persons and outlined ongoing national efforts aimed at strengthening institutional responses and addressing existing gaps. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing compliance with international standards, recognizing the broader implications for sustained development cooperation and international partnerships.
The dialogue also encompassed cooperation in maritime security, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as broader collaboration in addressing transnational crime. Both sides exchanged views on trade and economic development cooperation as integral pillars of the bilateral relationship.
The Government of Solomon Islands expressed its sincere appreciation for continued United States support in addressing the enduring challenge of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Emphasis was placed on the necessity for sustained and enhanced efforts to mitigate the risks posed by UXO to communities, livelihoods, and development initiatives.
The courtesy meeting underscored the shared commitment of Solomon Islands and the United States to deepen and broaden cooperation across economic, development, and security domains. Both sides affirmed their intention to maintain close and constructive engagement in pursuit of shared priorities and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
Ends///.
