New York, USA, – Solomon Islands on Thursday formally established diplomatic relations with the Principality of Andorra.
The signing ceremony took place at the Permanent Mission of Andorra to the United Nations in New York.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Andorra. Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade joined Andorra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Imma Tor Faus, for the ceremony.
Minister Tor Faus described the occasion as an important milestone, marking the start of a new relationship between the two countries.
She noted that Andorra and Solomon Islands, though geographically distant, share common values in areas such as environmental protection, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism.
She highlighted Andorra’s membership in the Mountain Partnership and its commitment to protecting marine biodiversity under the BBNJ Agreement, acknowledging Solomon Islands’ own strong advocacy on climate change and ocean health.
Tourism was identified as a potential area for collaboration, with Andorra proposing discussions on a visa exemption agreement to encourage travel, cultural exchange, and closer ties between the two peoples.
Minister Agovaka welcomed the new partnership, saying it supports Solomon Islands’ foreign policy of “friends to all and enemy to none” and opens opportunities for greater dialogue and cooperation.
The Principality of Andorra is a small landlocked country in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, with a population of about 85,000. It is one of Europe’s oldest states, established in 1278, and is governed under a unique co-principality system where the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain serve as joint ceremonial Heads of State, alongside a Prime Minister and parliament.
Tourism and retail sales are the backbone of Andorra’s economy. The country uses the Euro as its currency and, while not a member of the European Union, is active in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
The establishment of relations with Andorra expands Solomon Islands’ network of diplomatic partners and opens new avenues for cooperation, particularly in tourism, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
– OPMC
