PM Manele receives courtesy visit from Portuguese Ambassador
Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, welcomed His Excellency António Albuquerque Moniz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Portugal to the Solomon Islands, during a courtesy meeting in Honiara today.
Ambassador Moniz is in the country from March 10-14, 2025, to present his letters of credentials.
Prime Minister Manele congratulated His Excellency Antonio on his new role. H.E Moniz is based in Canberra, Australia.
The courtesy visit offered an opportunity for Solomon Islands and Portugal to discuss the bilateral relations and explore avenues for increased cooperation.
Solomon Islands has maintained diplomatic relations with Portugal since 1996, with ties largely fostered through international organizations. The two nations have a growing partnership in areas such as sustainable development, maritime affairs, tourism, and education.
Solomon Islands and Portugal have engaged in educational partnerships where Portugal offered training for local diplomats in Portugal and supported our Cuba based medical students.
“Solomon Islands is keen to revisit these initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” Prime Minister Manele emphasised.
Portugal’s significant role in international ocean governance, particularly in conservation and sustainable use of marine resources is an area Solomon Islands can learn from, especially in tackling challenges related to climate change and sustainable fisheries.
His Excellency António Albuquerque Moniz said, Portugal’s extensive knowledge and technology in renewable energy, particularly in wind, solar, and hydropower, could provide valuable support for the Solomon Islands in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing electricity access, especially in rural communities.
Prime Minister Manele and H.E Moniz also discussed Portugal’s small direct support for sustainable development programs which Solomon Islands is keen to explore.
Prime Minister Manele also acknowledged Portugal’s contributions through the European Union’s Development Fund, which has assisted the Solomon Islands in its development efforts.
The Prime Minister assured Ambassador Moniz of the Solomon Islands government’s support throughout his tenure as non-resident Ambassador of Portugal to Solomon Islands.
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-OPMC Media Release