Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele met with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, in New York on Monday, 22 September.
The meeting focused on deepening cooperation across trade, development, education, and climate initiatives, opening up new opportunities for partnership.
Prime Minister Manele as Forum Chair briefed His Highness Sheikh Abdullah on the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a regional initiative designed to strengthen climate resilience in the Pacific.
The PRF has already secured US$162 million in pledges from 15 countries, with a target of US$500 million. The UAE expressed interest in supporting the facility and promoting it across the Gulf region.
Bilaterally, education was a key highlight, with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah showing interest in offering scholarships for Solomon Islands students. This initiative aims to expand learning opportunities and strengthen people-to-people links between the two nations.
The leaders also discussed major development projects in the Solomon Islands. The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project, supported by New Zealand, will create jobs and boost economic growth in Malaita Province.
The Tina River Hydropower Project, a 15-megawatt renewable energy initiative supplying nearly 70 percent of Honiara’s electricity, has received support from international partners, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
The UAE’s leadership in climate action was recognized, highlighting its hosting of COP28 and role as headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which actively engages with Pacific countries on renewable energy.
The UAE will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, complementing the Solomon Islands’ recent regional water summit and showcasing the nation’s active role in Pacific water initiatives.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah also noted the UAE’s role as a trade hub connecting the Gulf, South Asia, and East Africa, citing a 24 percent increase in local trade.
The bilateral concluded positively, with both leaders committing to advance pending Memoranda of Understanding and deepen cooperation across trade, development, education, and regional initiatives of mutual benefit.