The Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the State of Qatar, as its Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Mr. Cornelius Walegerea, formally presented his Letters of Credentials to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy Amir of Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.

The accreditation makes Ambassador Walegerea the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Solomon Islands to Qatar, with residence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He was among eight newly accredited ambassadors who were officially welcomed with reception honours during the ceremony.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani congratulated Ambassador Walegerea on his appointment and expressed Qatar’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual development and growth.

Conveying greetings from the Governor General, Prime Minister, and people of Solomon Islands, Ambassador Walegerea emphasized his country’s commitment to advancing cooperation with Qatar in trade and investment, education, technical collaboration, development partnerships, and reciprocal visa arrangements.

Ahead of the ceremony, on 23 September, the Ambassador also presented copies of his Credentials to His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, who pledged the Ministry’s support for strengthening relations.

Solomon Islands and Qatar established diplomatic ties in 2011.

Since then, the two nations have explored opportunities for collaboration, with this latest accreditation seen as an important step in expanding the Pacific Island country’s diplomatic footprint in the Middle East.