BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Chair of the Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that the government of Solomon Islands is committed to the collective endeavours of all members.
Mr Manele said his government is honoured to host the meeting of Pacific ACP Leaders here in Honiara.
Manele also acknowledged the Kingdom of Tonga, outgoing Pacific ACP chair, for their leadership and support in the work and engagement as PACP states.
He said that further significant progress in realising pacific islands collective priorities was made uunder Tonga’s stewardship.
“The signing of the Samoa Agreement in 2023 set a renewed framework with our European partners. We advanced Pacific climate diplomacy at COP28 and COP29, ensuring our survival agenda remained at the heart of global discussions,” said PM Manele.
He said that Solomon Islands assuming the leadership of the Pacific ACP work, will do so conscious of the responsibility before its member states.
“Our task is to build on this foundation and guide our collective efforts at a time when our Blue Pacific region face heightened challenges, but also new opportunities. For us, representation and influence are paramount. The upcoming appointment of the Pacific’s Assistant Secretary-General at the OACPS Secretariat is a moment for us to stand united,” he said.
He said that this post will give the Pacific not only visibility, but a firmer hand in shaping decisions in Brussels that affect the region’s financing, governance, and implementation of the Samoa Agreement.
“Colleagues, today’s meeting is about more than procedures. It is about charting a way forward together. Let us ensure that in our work with the OACPS and the EU, the Blue Pacific continues to speak with one voice to ensure the successful implementation of the Samoa Agreement, as well as the 2050 Strategy,” he said.
He said that he welcomes and look forward to members continued support and assistance in their work and discussions in the coming months.
“The success of our leadership and representation of our collective will is premised on the spirit of Pacific solidarity, with clarity, urgency, and unity, to assure sustainable benefits, development, and security of our Pacific people,” he said.
