THE third Pacific Regional Heads of Maritime meeting was formally opened this week.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP officially opened the regional heads of maritime meeting at the Forum Fisheries Agency headquarter in Honiara.
Welcoming distinguished delegates, maritime officials and stakeholders to the regional meeting, Prime Minister Manele commended the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority, SIMA, for leading efforts to build a strong and thriving maritime sector in Solomon Islands.
“Maritime development in Solomon Islands is essential for connectivity, employment, and the resilience of our communities. Our domestic and international vessels, along with the many small boats that travel our waters are not just ships; they represent the resilience of our island communities, the mobility of our people, and the support system for our productive sectors. They contribute to economic growth in all provinces”, Prime Minister Manele stated.
The PM stressed, with the full support of the Government for National Unity and Transformation, SIMA has grown into an independent and self-sufficient maritime administration.
Prime Minister Manele added, “we have actively raised our maritime profile internationally and regionally and are now eager to engage in technical cooperation with our neighbouring countries and development partners to achieve our shared goals”.
The Prime Minister particularly commended efforts of the Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon. Manasseh Maelanga MP for driving forward key initiatives in the maritime sector.
The Prime Minister further announced that his Cabinet recently approved and launched the country’s Maritime Labour Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap to offer opportunities of maritime jobs to our people and establish an International Shipping Registry- an important step toward strengthening our maritime presence and economic opportunities.
Solomon Islands recognize that regional cooperation remains a cornerstone of our shared future, underscoring the importance of unity and partnership in achieving sustainable growth and resilience across the Pacific.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu are on the radar for collaborative initiatives.
The Prime Minister urge the Pacific Regional Heads of Maritime meeting to consider Solomon Islands proposal to develop a technical cooperation programme.
He commended the Steering Committee for developing the zero draft of the Pacific One-Maritime Framework.
The Prime Minister also acknowledge development partners, Pacific Community, United Kingdom, the European Union and the International Maritime Organization for the financial and expert support to develop the regional maritime framework and facilitate the convening of regional consultations and meetings.
Source: PM Press Secretariat
