Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – Solomon Islands has assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum during the official opening ceremony of the 54th Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele formally took on the role from the Kingdom of Tonga, praising Tonga’s “leadership and tenacity” over the past year under the stewardship of both former Prime Minister Sovaleni and current Prime Minister Hon. Aisake Valu Eke.

“We have all witnessed and felt the Tongan mafana throughout Tonga’s tenure as Forum Chair – under both the former Prime Minister Sovaleni as well as our brother here with us this evening, Prime Minister Eke – malo ‘aupito.”

The Prime Minister said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him by his fellow Leaders to take on the role of Chair, noting that the responsibility was significant.

“The magnitude of the task ahead does not escape me, but I will rely on and remain grateful for the counsel of colleagues Leaders over the next 12 months. This, our 54th Pacific Islands Forum, marks a significant moment for our region as we come together to reaffirm our unity, our values, and our collective resolve.”

The assumption of the Forum Chairmanship by Solomon Islands comes 33 years after the country last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum in 1992.

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