Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele,
with the Belgium Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, and of Defence, in charge of Beliris and Federal Cultural Institutions, Didier Reynders.
PC: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation- Belgium

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, met with his Belgium Counterpart – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence -Hon. Didier Reynders on the margins of the 44^th Session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Minister Manele expressed Solomon Islands gratitude to the Government of Belgium for the continued technical support in training and capacity building towards the maritime and safety sector through the Solomon Islands Maritime and Safety Authority.

Minister Manele expressed appreciation to Belgium’s support through engagement with the ACP-EU on the current negotiations of the Post Cotonou Partnership agreement, including the Pacific-EU regional protocol.

Minister Reynders conveyed the Government of Belgium’s appreciation to Solomon Islands for support to Belgium’s successful election to gain a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council in June 2018. He also reaffirmed Belgium’s support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on climate change and ocean governance.

Both Ministers acknowledged the scope of opportunities to engage in closer cooperation and welcomed the potential of investment opportunities in areas of mutual interest including; climate change, ocean governance, blue economy, renewable technology, education and health.

ENDS//