European Union Strengthens Partnership with Solomon Islands on Sustainable Development and Global Gateway
During the visit, Ambassador Plinkert and Director Ustubs held high-level meetings with Solomon Islands Government representatives, including the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, the Hon. Minister of Finance and Treasury Gordon Darcy Lilo, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Franklyn Derek Wasi (in his capacity as supervising Minister of Fisheries and Forestry), the Hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Rawcliff Manu'ari, and the Hon. Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Alfred Lazarus Rimah. Talks centred on shared strategic priorities: green and inclusive growth, sound economic management, resilient infrastructure, and robust democratic institutions. Meetings were further complemented by a site visit to the future Bina Harbour and a courtesy call on the Premier of Malaita Province, the Hon. Elijah Asilaua.
European Union Delegation to the Pacific 2026 |
European Union Delegation to the Pacific 2026 |
Solomon Islands is the second-largest bilateral recipient of EU financial assistance in the Pacific, focused on climate change adaptation and resilience, water infrastructure, good governance, and energy. Further support is provided through regional programmes on ocean governance, gender equality, waste management, and trade integration.
"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," said Ambassador Plinkert. "Working alongside our regional partners, we are committed to reinforcing our role as a trusted and valued partner for your country."
European Union Delegation to the Pacific 2026 |
European Union Delegation to the Pacific 2026 |
From Development Partner to Strategic Investor
A central focus of the mission was the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which marks an evolution in the EU's role in the Pacific – from development partner to long-term strategic investor. In Solomon Islands, this shift is already tangible: bilateral budget support and regional projects are mobilising investment in renewable energy, clean water, and the sustainable blue economy.
Two projects covered during the mission illustrate this commitment. At Bina Harbour in Malaita Province, the EU considers support to the development of port infrastructure and an associated tuna processing plant, anchored in Solomon Islands' position as its largest tuna export market under the interim Economic Partnership Agreement. The Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP) – co-financed by the EU, the Asian Development Bank, and the Global Environment Facility, and a key Global Gateway initiative for the Pacific – has already provided access to clean water for more than 79,000 people across Honiara and selected provincial centres.
European Union Delegation to the Pacific 2026
A Partnership Built on Mutual Interest and Shared Responsibility
The EU and Solomon Islands are united by a common stake in a stable, rules-based international order and a sustainable future for the Pacific. The EU welcomes and appreciates Solomon Islands' active engagement in regional and multilateral fora, including its Chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2025-2026, its prompt ratification of the Samoa Agreement on 26 September 2025, and its support for key UN General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, reflecting a shared commitment to principled multilateralism grounded in the UN Charter. Looking ahead, the EU and Solomon Islands will continue to deepen their partnership around green and inclusive growth, resilient infrastructure, sustainable fisheries, and climate action, anchored in the Samoa Agreement and powered by the ambition of Global Gateway.
For further information, contact: DELEGATION-FIJI-MEDIA@EEAS.EUROPA.EU