The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, MP, received a courtesy call from the Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Francisco da Costa Monteiro, on 8th July 2025.
Minister Agovaka warmly welcomed Minister Monteiro and his delegation, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet. He reaffirmed Solomon Islandsโ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Timor-Leste.
In response, Minister Monteiro conveyed his gratitude to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and for the invitation to participate in the 47th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
He commended the celebrations as a strong reflection of the unity and resilience of the Solomon Islands people.
Accompanying the delegation was the Secretary-General of the g7+, Dr. Helder da Costa, who provided an update on preparations for Solomon Islandsโ upcoming Chairmanship of the g7+, set to begin in January 2026.
Solomon Islands was appointed Chair during the 6th g7+ Ministerial Meeting and will serve a two-year term.
Minister Agovaka welcomed the update and reaffirmed Solomon Islandsโ commitment to working closely with the g7+ Secretariat to advance the groupโs goals during its tenure as Chair.
The Timor-Leste delegation, led by Minister Monteiro, is currently in the country on a peer-to-peer learning mission.
During their visit, they will engage with selected ministries to exchange knowledge and experiences under their “Look and Learn” initiative.
As a key outcome of the meeting, both countries agreed to work towards formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework for Cooperation. They also discussed the potential for reciprocal visa waiver arrangements and expanded trade relations.
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