BY NED GAGAHE
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands through a high-level official visit focused on strengthening cooperation in sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and economic growth.
Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, and Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Peteris Ustubs, concluded a three-day visit to Solomon Islands from June 4 to 6.
During their visit, the delegation held discussions with senior government leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi, Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Minister Derrick Rawcliff Manu’ari, and Provincial Government Minister, Alfred Lazarus Rimah.
Speaking to Island Sun in an interview, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert said talks focused on shared priorities including climate resilience, green economic growth, infrastructure development, good governance, and strengthening democratic institutions.
The delegation also travelled to the proposed Bina Harbour development site and met with Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua to discuss future investment opportunities.
Ambassador Plinkert described the EU as a reliable partner committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ development aspirations.
“The EU is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Solomon Islands, with deep experience across the priority areas of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” she said.
Solomon Islands remains the second-largest recipient of EU bilateral assistance in the Pacific, benefiting from programmes focused on climate change adaptation, water infrastructure, renewable energy, governance, and regional development initiatives.
A key focus of the visit was the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to increase strategic investment across the Pacific region. Under the initiative, the EU is exploring support for the development of port infrastructure and a tuna processing facility at Bina Harbour, a project expected to boost economic activity and employment opportunities in Malaita Province.
The delegation also highlighted the success of the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, which has provided access to clean and reliable water services for more than 79,000 people in Honiara and selected provincial centres.
The EU further acknowledged Solomon Islands’ active role in regional and international affairs, including its chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2025 to 2026, its ratification of the Samoa Agreement in September 2025, and its support for key resolutions at the United Nations.
Both sides expressed confidence that cooperation will continue to expand in areas such as climate action, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The visit underscored the growing relationship between Solomon Islands and the European Union, as both partners seek to advance shared development goals and strengthen regional stability in the Pacific.
Photo credit: EU
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