BY NED GAGAHE
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to Solomon Islands while signalling a shift towards greater investment-driven cooperation during a high-level visit to the country this week.
Speaking exclusively to the Island Sun at the conclusion of a three-day visit on Saturday, EU Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert said the mission provided an important opportunity to engage with the new government and explore future areas of cooperation.
Ambassador Plinkert was accompanied by Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), and Maurizio Cian, Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation.
“We are very pleased to be here as representatives of the European Union to meet with the new government,” Ambassador Plinkert said.
She said the visit, which had been planned for some time, focused on reviewing EU-funded projects and discussing future cooperation priorities with Solomon Islands leaders.
During their stay, the delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari, Agriculture Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi in his capacity as Supervising Minister for Fisheries, and Provincial Government Minister Alfred Rimah.
The delegation also travelled to Malaita Province where they met Premier Elijah Asilaua and visited the proposed Bina Harbour development site, identified as a potential area for future EU support.
“It was a very fruitful visit. It was really good to understand a bit better the policy directions of the new government that are now evolving and being presented,” Ambassador Plinkert said.
She revealed that Solomon Islands remains one of the EU’s most significant development partners in the Pacific.
“Solomon Islands is the second-largest recipient of EU financing after Papua New Guinea among Pacific Island countries,” she said.
According to Ambassador Plinkert, the EU has committed approximately $46 million euros over the past four years to support development programmes in Solomon Islands, covering sectors such as climate resilience, water infrastructure, governance and sustainable economic development.
The Ambassador also highlighted Solomon Islands’ current role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and the importance of cooperation within the regional body.
“The European Union is a dialogue partner to the Pacific Islands Forum and we are preparing to participate in this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau,” she said.
The EU has formally applied to become a Strategic Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, with a decision expected during the leaders’ meeting later this year.
“We look forward to the support of Solomon Islands in becoming a strategic partner in this important forum,” Ambassador Plinkert added.
She said that the EU and Solomon Islands share common positions on key international issues, including support for multilateralism, the rules-based international order and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for Solomon Islands’ support for United Nations resolutions concerning Ukraine and for its continued engagement on global challenges such as climate change.
Ambassador Plinkert said discussions focused heavily on future cooperation and how the EU’s relationship with Solomon Islands is evolving.
She indicated that the EU is moving towards a more strategic partnership model that places greater emphasis on investment and economic opportunities alongside traditional development assistance.
The new approach, linked to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, is expected to support major infrastructure and economic projects across the Pacific, including potential investments in Solomon Islands.
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