Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale on July 21 to discuss efforts to strengthen and deepen the U.S.-Solomon Islands bilateral relationship.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Landau and Prime Minister Wale signed a Letter of Intent for the return of Peace Corps volunteers to Solomon Islands. The discussion also included highlights of a new Development Finance Corporation Investment Initiative Agreement between the two countries, as well as recent achievements related to the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Threshold Program.
Landau announced that the State Department is providing $6 million in new funding aimed at expanding its unexploded ordnance removal program in Solomon Islands. He expressed hope to visit Solomon Islands in person and acknowledged the reminders of shared sacrifices made during World War II.
The meeting focused on broadening engagement across several areas, including development finance, humanitarian assistance, and people-to-people ties through programs like Peace Corps service.
Landau said he looks forward to continued collaboration with Prime Minister Wale and further progress in strengthening U.S.-Solomon Islands relations.