FOREIGN Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele has held bilateral talks with the President of Israel Reuven Rivlin in Nadi, Fiji last Thursday.
Minister Manele was in Nadi to attend a meeting by the Pacific Leaders with the President of Israel to strengthen cordial relations with the pacific region, a statement from Prime Minister Press Secretariat said.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Frank Bainimarama hosted the high-level meeting.
Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade Jeremiah Manele attended on behalf of the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare.
During the meeting, Minister Manele and the Israeli President discussed important issues relating to our development cooperation framework towards strengthening engagement between both countries.
Both leaders also discussed opportunities for ten (10) scholarships in the agriculture sector to support the Solomon Islands later this year.
The Israeli President highlighted that Israel will continue to support the region in terms of knowledge sharing, scholarships, and through technical cooperation.
The Foreign Minister in response has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with the President.
Minister Manele said the Solomon Islands would continue to work closely with Israel to enhance cooperation between both countries.
The Solomon Islands and Israel has enjoyed thirty-one (31) years of cordial relations since January 1989.
The Leaders Summit was held purposely to explore creative ideas, new paths and to proactively engage with the Pacific Islands Countries (PICs).
Discussions were also based on common areas regarding sustainable development such as agriculture, water management, renewable energy, food security, and public health.
Pacific Island Leaders that attended included the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Vuna Faótusia, Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu Minute Alapati Taupo, Minister for International Affairs of Vanuatu Andrew Napuat and the Charge DÁffaires of the Federated State of Micronesia Embassy in Fiji Wilson Waguk.
