Indonesia, Solomon Islands agree to boost trade, ties at UN

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and the Solomon Islands agreed to strengthen development cooperation, trade, and capacity building during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, United States.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela on Thursday, September 24, to reinforce ties in the Pacific region, according to a press release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed cooperation in key sectors, including fisheries and agriculture, while pushing for the finalization of agreements in education and culture.

Minister Sugiono also extended an invitation to business leaders from the Solomon Islands to attend the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia, scheduled for October 14–18, 2026.

In turn, Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela expressed appreciation for Indonesia's continuous support through scholarship programs and technical capacity building.

He also revealed plans to expand the Solomon Islands' diplomatic representation in Jakarta to foster stronger economic relations.

In a separate bilateral meeting, Sugiono spoke with the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Baron Divavesi Waqa, to discuss broader regional development and climate resilience.

Welcoming Indonesia’s status as a strategic partner of the PIF, Sugiono reaffirmed Jakarta's commitment to supporting regional development goals anchored in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Discussions also covered Indonesian backing for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and options for expanding high-level dialogue between Indonesia and Pacific Island nations.

The Solomon Islands currently serves as the chair of the PIF, having hosted the 54th PIF Leaders' Meeting in Honiara and Noro last year.

Related news: Indonesia urges global action on sea level rise at UN meeting

Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2026