THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has responded positively to a request by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to help Solomon Islands host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM) in September 2025.
PM Manele announced this at a press conference upon his arrival from his back-on-back visit to the Gulf States of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week.
“His Royal Highness Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud responded very positively to my request for support towards the hosting of the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders for which I have already approached Australia, New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China for their support.”
The PM said the 2025 PIF Leaders’ summit is a pivotal meeting and as the Prime Minister of the host nation and incoming chair, it is his responsibility to work hand-in-hand with Solomon Islands development partners to assist Honiara with the resources needed to successfully host the meeting.
He said he has discussed with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud about the important issues Solomon Islands is facing and the Foreign Minister was very well versed with the challenges facing Solomon Islands ranging from climate change to health and development needs.
PM Manele said Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud also gave the assurance of support to projects that Honiara may wish to present to Riyadh for consideration through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
