FIJI and the Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation on shared regional priorities and to strengthen Pacific solidarity amid growing regional and global challenges.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale in Suva this week.
Welcoming Wale on his first official visit to Fiji as prime minister, Rabuka highlighted the strong historical ties and close people-to-people links between the two Melanesian nations.
He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working closely with the Solomon Islands to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the Pacific while advancing common regional priorities.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation through both sub-regional and broader Pacific mechanisms.
They reaffirmed the importance of Pacific solidarity and collective action in addressing the challenges facing the Blue Pacific, underscoring the value of a united regional approach.
Wale thanked Rabuka, the Fiji Government and its people for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.
He reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Fiji and acknowledged Fiji’s leadership role within the Pacific region.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to working together to advance the collective interests of the Pacific family.
Wale hails Fiji-Solomons ties, urges Pacific unity on climate and geopolitics
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his government’s close ties with Fiji, saying the relationship between the two countries is built on history, culture and a shared Melanesian identity.
Speaking at a state dinner hosted by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva on Monday night, Wale thanked Fiji for its hospitality and said the partnership between the two nations remained strong.
“This evening truly feels like a gathering of family,” he said, highlighting the long-standing people-to-people links between the Solomon Islands and Fiji.
Wale said Fiji was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands after the Solomon Islands’ independence in 1978.
He said cooperation had since expanded into education, trade, security and climate resilience.
He also thanked Fiji for providing land at Muanikau in Suva for the Solomon Islands Chancery and for continuing to create education opportunities for Solomon Islanders studying in Fiji.
Turning to regional issues, Wale said Pacific countries must work together to confront climate change, geopolitical competition and energy pressures.
“No country can stand alone. Together, as members of the Pacific family, we can transform challenges into opportunities,” he said.
The state dinner formed part of Wale’s official visit to Fiji and underscored the two countries’ efforts to deepen diplomatic and regional cooperation.
