Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele met with the Ambassador of Austria accredited to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Elisabeth KOGLER in Honiara.
Solomon Islands and Austria established diplomatic relations in October 2005.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed Ambassador Kogler’s courtesy visit and congratulated her on presenting her letter of credentials to the Governor General of Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister said, Austria and the Solomon Islands share similar commitment in sustainable development, renewable energy and climate change.
Her Excellency Kogler affirmed Austria’s commitment to further increase engagement in the Solomon Islands and Pacific region as reflected in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy.
She stated, at the multilateral level, Austria contributes to the 11th European Development Fund, and now to the new financing agreement, the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument whereby Solomon Islands receives development assistance and benefits from.
H.E Kogler emphasised, Austria prioritizes climate change and sustainable development.
Solomon Islands acknowledge Austria’s support over the years in providing diplomatic training to the Solomon Islands Government, contribution to the European Development Fund under the Cotonou Agreement benefiting Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister said, Solomon Islands values its cooperation with Austria under the New OACPS-EU framework (The Samoa Agreement), and looks forward to close and continued dialogue with relevant stakeholders to frame future collaborations.
Based on mutual respect and areas of
shared priorities such as addressing Climate Change, Sustainable development and renewable energy, Solomon Islands and Austria will remain in close contact and look forward to further meetings.
Ends///
PM Press Secretariat
