by Charley Piringi
Bilateral engagements between Solomon Islands and the U.S. in Washington and Honiara are yielding tangible community benefits, says U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Murray.
Addressing an Asia Pacific Media Hub virtual briefing yesterday following the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting held in Palau, Mr. Murray highlighted Washington’s enduring dedication and commitment to Solomon Islands.
Mr. Murray said last week’s historic signing to reinstate Peace Corps operations following a 26-year absence, demonstrates the concrete advantages emerging from this bilateral partnership.
He said the United States and Solomon Islands share “48 years of diplomatic relations built on a foundation forged during World War II.”
“We are among the first nations to recognize Solomon Islands following independence.” Mr. Murray reaffirmed that the U.S. remains deeply committed to advancing that relationship based on shared values, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Acknowledging the recent progress, Mr Murray said it reflects a deliberate foreign policy recalibration under Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
“We’re delighted to see Prime Minister Wale reprioritize his approach to foreign policy as he’s come into power,” Mr. Murray said. “Essentially, we want to make sure that we can be a strong partner of the Solomon Islands and that we can engage the Solomon Islands on the basis of transparency, collaboration, and in the spirit of equal partnership.”
Last week, Foreign Minister Hon. Rick Houenipwela and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signed an agreement reinstating the Peace Corps in Solomon Islands.
“The signing of this Agreement is more than the signing of a document. We renewed a friendship,” Minister Houenipwela said.
Prime Minister Wale is departing for New York today to advocate for the Solomon Islands’ national and regional priorities at the 81st UN General Assembly and strengthen global partnerships through bilateral meetings.
These meetings will provide an opportunity to strengthen Solomon Islands’ bilateral relationships, advance areas of cooperation and discuss matters of mutual interest.
