BY LORETTA B MANELE
Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) still has the confidence of its donor partners.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele raised this at his press conference on Friday.
He stressed that confidence of donors in GNUT’s political stability and policy direction has grown.
Manele pointed out one example being the Asian Development Bank (ADB) joining New Zealand and other partners in supporting the education sector through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP).
It is understood that the ESSP program, a partnership between Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), New Zealand and Australia recently reached the end of its program early last month.
However, both New Zealand and Australia have stated that they will continue their partnership for education with Solomon Islands respectively with Australia already commencing with its education program with the country.
Manele stated that new partnerships are being worked on with countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and others that have mutual interests with Solomon Islands.
Speaking of new partnerships, early last month, Saudi Arabia’s Chief Executive Officer for Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad had signed a USD 10 million agreement with the government.
The funding is to support renewable energy development in Solomon Islands, aligning with the government’s focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
At the time, Al-Marshad told Manele that the purpose of their visit is to show their strong support and commitment to the Solomon Islands Government.
“The SFD remains dedicated to supporting the development priorities of Small Island Developing States.”
Manele furthered that GNUT’s leadership is focused on more than day-to-day governance as it is shaping a long-term development pathway.
He said through disciplined financial reform, bold infrastructure planning and partnerships with trusted donors, GNUT is demonstrating that despite today’s challenges, the future of the Solomon Islands is being built with intent, integrity and a vision for sustainable prosperity for all.
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