Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has advocated for Pacific-led initiatives to bolster investment and security partnerships following the conclusion of the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit held in Honolulu.
In his closing remarks at the two-day summit held at the East-West Centre, Prime Minister Manele emphasized the critical link between investment and security as essential for attaining sustainable prosperity across the Pacific region. As the current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, he urged that regional priorities should evolve from a deep understanding of the unique Pacific context, asserting that solutions must be designed and implemented by Pacific Island nations themselves.
Manele highlighted existing frameworks that guide regional collaboration, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Roadmap on Economic Development, and the Ocean of Peace Declaration. He underscored the importance of Forum mechanisms, such as the Forum Economic Ministers Dialogue, in aiding national development objectives.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of translating the summit’s discussions into practical actions to enhance partnerships with the United States. He recognized the invaluable role of the Pacific Islands Development Programme in fostering regional coordination and expressed optimism for ongoing cooperation through forthcoming Pacific Islands Leaders’ processes.
Furthermore, Manele called for support in establishing a Pacific Trade and Invest Office in the United States to bridge Pacific economies with global trade and investment opportunities. He acknowledged the leadership of United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in organizing the summit, in collaboration with the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the East-West Center.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Manele expressed gratitude to his fellow Pacific leaders, government officials, private sector representatives, and all attendees for their meaningful contributions and engagement during the summit. This event signifies a promising step towards enhanced regional cooperation and the pursuit of shared prosperity among Pacific nations.