Proposed La Perouse museum receives greenlight from President Macron
The proposed La Pérouse Museum in Vanikoro, Temotu Province, has received formal backing from French President Emmanuel Macron, reaffirmed by the visiting French Ambassador for the Pacific, Her Excellency Véronique Roger-Lacan.
Ambassador Roger-Lacan made the announcement during a courtesy call on the Acting Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto this week at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
She confirmed that President Macron had approved the museum project and that her office is now focused on implementation.
She encouraged the Solomon Islands Government to submit a detailed proposal for consideration, describing the project as a “shared memory of humanity” and welcoming a bilateral partnership to bring the vision to life.
Complementing the museum proposal, the Acting Prime Minister presented three other priorities to Ambassador Roger-Lacan for the consideration of her government including;
- The construction of a new airstrip in Vanikoro island.
- Assistance to modernise Solomon Airlines domestic fleet and eventually international fleet through partnership in acquiring ATR 42 aircrafts.
- Providing support to the concept of fuel security in Forum island countries.
The Office of the Prime Minister has agreed to coordinate the provision of appropriate documentation on these three priority undertakings to be shared with the Ambassador and her team.
The development of Vanikoro is expected to significantly improve access and unlock the tourism and economic potential of this remote area.
The proposed infrastructure will also support scientific research, educational exchanges, and cultural tourism.
The dialogue further touched on broader areas of development cooperation, with a particular emphasis on strengthening health systems.
Both parties acknowledged the urgent need for serious and targeted investments in this sector.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both delegations expressing mutual satisfaction and a strong desire to deepen bilateral ties.
Ambassador Roger-Lacan commended Solomon Islands’ leadership on regional issues and emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections.
This visit signals a renewed chapter between the two countries, grounded in shared values, historical connections, and forward-looking collaboration.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat