Honiara, February 29, 2024 – Solomon islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on saturday bid farewell to Indonesian Ambassador andriana Supandy, marking the end of a six-year diplomatic posting that significantly deepened ties between the two archipelagic nations. the meeting underscored a growing partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests.
Strengthening Bonds: Indonesia’s Ambassador Concludes solomon Islands Tenure
The outgoing ambassador’s six-year term saw increased cooperation in areas ranging from education to marine conservation.
- Ambassador Supandy presented his credentials in August 2019.
- Indonesia plans a scoping mission to assess Solomon Islands’ progress needs.
- Discussions covered cooperation in aviation, tourism, and marine conservation.
- Solomon Islands anticipates celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028 with Indonesian support.
Ambassador Supandy conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Indonesia and expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure, including during Prime Minister Manele’s time as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He also shared his appreciation for witnessing the opening of the 2023 Pacific Games while stationed in Honiara.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Supandy announced Indonesia’s intention to dispatch a scoping mission to Solomon Islands. This mission will focus on identifying priority areas for development and gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Solomon Islands people. Prime Minister Manele welcomed this initiative, emphasizing its potential to further enhance Indonesia’s development cooperation and engagement.
Discussions between the Prime Minister and Ambassador Supandy encompassed a wide range of potential collaborations. These included a memorandum of Understanding on education, ongoing police cooperation initiatives, programs focused on women’s empowerment, and capacity-building efforts. Further areas explored were potential partnerships in health, tourism, civil registration, aviation, visa waiver arrangements, and shared interests in marine conservation, particularly within the framework of the Coral Triangle Initiative-a joint effort of both nations.
“You have done very well,” prime minister Manele told Ambassador Supandy, acknowledging his role in facilitating numerous important projects that have deepened the friendship between the two countries. He reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and emphasized the common ground shared by both archipelagic nations.
Prime Minister Manele also looked ahead to 2028, when Solomon Islands will celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary. He expressed his anticipation of celebrating this milestone with development partners like Indonesia, recognizing their crucial role in the nation’s progress.
