Prime Minister Manele participates in U.S.–Pacific Islands roundtable discussion
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today met with U.S. officials and Pacific Leaders at the U.S Pacific Islands Forum Roundtable in Port Moresby.
In his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Prime Minister engaged with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo, Forum Leaders, Ministers, Heads of Delegations, and other distinguished guests to discuss regional priorities and strengthen U.S.–Pacific partnerships.
Prime Minister Manele contributed to the roundtable discussion with other Pacific Island countries, emphasising the importance of partnerships that respect both national and regional priorities.
He recalled that Solomon Islands recently hosted the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara and Noro in Western Province, where discussions on partnership agreements were deferred pending reforms to the Partnership Policy.
PM Manele presenting a gift to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
He reaffirmed that Forum Leaders remain committed to ensuring future engagements align with the newly endorsed Leaders Policy on Partnerships and the long-term objectives of the Pacific 2050 Strategy.
The Prime Minister highlighted key regional initiatives recently endorsed by Forum Leaders. These include the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, which aims to strengthen climate and disaster resilience, and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, ensuring Pacific priorities are defined and advanced by the region itself. He also acknowledged the U.S. payment of US$60 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency as the 2024 annual economic assistance under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, supporting sustainable fisheries management through a 10-year Economic Assistance Agreement.
Addressing nuclear legacy issues, Prime Minister Manele called for continued support to safely manage unexploded ordnance from World War II, protecting Pacific communities and future generations.
Pacific Leaders in the Roundtable discussion with PM Manele
He stressed that collaboration should strengthen community resilience, advance regional priorities, and uphold the principles of regionalism and collective action endorsed by Forum Leaders.
Prime Minister Manele in his remarks also congratulated Papua New Guinea on its 50th Independence Anniversary, highlighting that nation-building in the Pacific relies on cultural heritage, resilient communities, and a shared determination to secure a prosperous future for all Pacific peoples.
Through this roundtable, Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the value of the ongoing partnership between the United States and the Pacific Islands Forum, recognising U.S. contributions to development, security, maritime safety, disaster preparedness, and economic growth, while emphasising that all collaborative efforts must remain aligned with Pacific priorities.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat