Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has reiterated that geopolitics is not only present in the Pacific but is a global phenomenon.
Responding to questions asked on the issue, he said geopolitics, or the competition for influence in the region, presents both challenges and opportunities, and it is important for any government, including ours, to work on capitalizing on these opportunities.
He stated that geopolitics is real and is happening in Africa, Europe, and the United States.
“However, we must manage the challenges, and for us, as a small country, our interest is development. One partner alone cannot meet all our development needs and challenges, so it makes sense for us to work with all partners,” PM Manele said.
He highlighted the country’s foreign policy of “friends to all and enemies to none,” emphasizing that the Solomon Islands will not be forced to take sides but will work with everyone. This approach aligns with the broad and wide development interests and domestic security needs of the Solomon Islands.
“We have interests both on the development front and in terms of internal security. While we acknowledge that big countries have their interests, as a least developed country, our focus remains on our own development and security,” Manele added.
Regarding the conduct of foreign policy, Manele stated that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
