Solomon Islands and Vietnam strengthen bilateral ties

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, held bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister, His Excellency Le Hoai Trung, in Hanoi.

The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in key development areas.

This visit marked the first official visit by a Solomon Islands Foreign Minister to Vietnam, highlighting the growing importance of ties between the two nations.

Minister Agovaka expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and described the meeting as a milestone in the 29 years of diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and Vietnam.

The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Framework for Cooperation, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration across political, economic, and development sectors.

They agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, and human resource development.

Vietnam expressed readiness to send experts to support Solomon Islands in agriculture and fisheries, and encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to explore opportunities in seafood processing, construction materials, and renewable energy.

Solomon Islands invited Vietnamese investors to explore projects under its Special Economic Zone Act, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and mining.

Minister Agovaka emphasised Solomon Islands’ development priorities as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2027.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

They acknowledged the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They also agreed on the need to deepen coordination within the United Nations, ASEAN, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) frameworks to address global challenges.

Solomon Islands expressed interest in becoming an observer of ASEAN to build stronger linkages between the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Minister Agovaka thanked Minister Le Hoai Trung for the warm welcome and productive discussions, expressing confidence that the visit will pave the way for tangible cooperation and enduring friendship between Solomon Islands and Vietnam.

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Government statement