Prime Minister Mark Brown paid a courtesy call on Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during his visit to Honiara to witness the Pacific Games.

Among other things, Brown briefed Sogavare, who did not attend the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held earlier this month in Rarotonga, on the outcomes.

In a statement yesterday, the Prime Minister said: “Today was a great opportunity for me to drop by the Pacific Games on our way to COP28 in Dubai, and brief Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on the outcomes of PIFlM52.”

“I also wanted to congratulate PM Sogavare and his country for hosting such a wonderful Games. The venues are outstanding, and our team is being well looked after at their village.

“Thank you tumus to our Solomon Islands wantoks!”

Issues discussed and agreed on by PIF leaders included 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent-Implementation Plan and Review of the Regional Architecture, climate change and resilience, nuclear and legacy issues, gender equality, fisheries and economic development. Also included in the discussions by the PIF leaders was the PIF representation in the United States of America.

In a statement, the Solomon Islands PM’s Office said Sogavare acknowledged Brown’s arrival in the country and praised his counterpart for holding the chairmanship role of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Sogavare added that Brown’s decision to provide update on the conclusions of PIF leaders meeting in Cook Islands is a further demonstration of the true Pacific way of “tok-stori” (talanoa) on matters pertinent to the Forum’s member countries.

He expressed Solomon Islands support for the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Communique, and the continuous support for the implementation of the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Sogavare stated that Solomon Islands is aware of the array of interests by major powers in the Pacific region and while challenges come with it, there are opportunities as well for the Forum countries to advance their development needs in collaborations with traditional and new partners.

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister welcomed other endorsements by PIF leaders which include the Pacific Resilience Facility and Climate Mobility Framework.

“The country’s stance on ALPS treated water Fukushima issue, remains the same where the country expressed reservations about Japan’s decision to discharge nuclear waste water,” the Solomon Islands PM’s Office said.

“PM Sogavare added that as coastal countries Solomon Islands is concerned about the acidity levels in our oceans which has reached critical threshold.”

Solomon Islands also encouraged effort to strengthen regional unity and solidarity, expressing that the Suva agreement and proposed review of the Regional Architecture will work to that direction to strengthen regional cooperation.

In his closing remarks, PM Sogavare wished the Cook Islands sporting contingent all the best in their remaining games and wished PM Brown a warm Solomon Islands hospitality as he attends the 2023 Pacific Games.