by Ednal Palmer
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed that stability remains the guiding principle of his administration, while highlighting recent national achievements and high-level international engagements aimed at advancing Solomon Islands’ development and global standing.
Speaking during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr. Manele began by commending Acting Prime Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frederick Kologeto for ensuring the continuity of government business during his recent overseas engagements.
Landmark Partnership for Kolombangara Plantation
The Prime Minister announced a major milestone for landowners in Kolombangara, following the signing of a new shareholding agreement for Kolombangara Forest Plantation Limited (KFPL).
Under the new arrangement, the Kolombangara Landowners Trust Foundation — through Kolombangara Islands Investment Limited — will own 20% of the company, granting landowners a direct voice in decision-making. The government, through the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI), will hold 5%, while the remaining 75% will be owned by New Forests, an international forestry investor bringing in capital, expertise, and market access.
“This is a story of partnership, trust, and inclusive development,” the Prime Minister said. “It shows how government, investors, and landowners can work together to create lasting value for our communities.”
Successful Hosting of Pacific Islands Forum
Mr. Manele extended his appreciation to all Solomon Islanders for their contribution to the successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara.
“I acknowledge the dedication of all those involved — from the national organising committee to service providers, stakeholders, and our development partners,” he said. The Prime Minister also commended the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for its professionalism and effective security operations during the regional event.
PNG’s 50th Independence and Regional Cooperation
The Prime Minister represented Solomon Islands at Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in Port Moresby on 16 September. He congratulated Prime Minister James Marape and the people of PNG, describing the milestone as “a proud achievement for Melanesia and the Pacific.”
He also noted that preparations will soon begin for Solomon Islands’ own 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028. On the sidelines of the celebrations, Mr. Manele held bilateral talks with France, China, and the Asian Development Bank, and attended the US–Pacific Roundtable.
Representing Solomon Islands at the United Nations
From Port Moresby, the Prime Minister and his delegation travelled to New York to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), held under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”
In his address, the Prime Minister stressed that peace, development, and human rights are inseparable, and called for reforms to the UN Security Council, including the removal of the veto power.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands advanced key regional priorities, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led fund to tackle climate and disaster challenges. Mr. Manele urged partners to raise contributions to US$500 million by 2026.
He also drew attention to gender equality, youth empowerment, the growing threat of drug abuse, and the urgent need to address non-communicable diseases and mental health in the Pacific.
On climate change, Mr. Manele said Solomon Islands’ third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement was a “Net Positive” NDC, noting that the country’s standing forests absorb 30 times more carbon than national emissions.
He reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to ocean protection — supporting the new BBNJ Treaty, a ban on single-use plastics, and maintaining a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
During UNGA, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with nine countries — including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Germany, and India — focusing on cooperation in climate resilience, education, health, and policing.
He also confirmed new diplomatic relations with North Macedonia and Andorra, bringing the country’s total diplomatic partners to 139. Agreements were signed with Serbia to ease travel and with Tuvalu to enable Solomon Islands nurses to work there.
Mr. Manele announced that Solomon Islands will assume the Chairmanship of the G7+ group in January 2026 and confirmed the country’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2032–2033 — the first time Solomon Islands will contest such a position.
Cabinet Reshuffle: A Move for Stability
Addressing domestic developments, the Prime Minister confirmed the recent Cabinet reshuffle, in which Hon. Rexon Ramofafia was appointed Minister for Finance and Treasury and Hon. Trevor Hedley Mahaga became Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination.
“These changes were made to strengthen the government’s delivery capacity and ensure key ministries remain aligned with national priorities,” he said.
Mr. Manele underscored that the reshuffle was driven by one overriding objective — stability.
“By stability, I mean long-term political and operational stability — the kind that allows the Government for National Unity and Transformation to serve its full mandate under the 12th Parliament,” he stated.
He emphasized that Cabinet reshuffles are a normal part of governance, not a sign of weakness. “Even as ministers change, ministries continue to function fully and all programs and services remain uninterrupted,” he said. “Leadership requires making adjustments where necessary to strengthen performance and unity within government.”
“Every Partnership Serves the People”
In concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister assured Solomon Islanders that all international engagements and domestic decisions are guided by the same principle — advancing the national interest.
“Every statement we make, every partnership we build, and every agreement we sign is aimed at strengthening services, creating opportunities, and improving the daily lives of Solomon Islanders,” he said.
“Our commitment remains clear: to ensure that international cooperation directly supports national priorities — better health, stronger education, climate resilience, and a more secure and prosperous future for all.”
Read Full Prime Minister’s statement here
