Solomon Times Online, 5th September 2018
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Rick Hou has held bilateral talks with Norway’s International Development Minister, Hon Nikolai Astrup at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit in Nauru this week.
During the meeting, Mr Hou acknowledged Norway for its significant contribution towards addressing climate change through the Green Climate Fund. Norway is one of the largest contributors to the Green Climate Fund sponsoring over USD $270 Million over 4 years.
Solomon Islands has benefited from the fund through the Tina Hydro Project, which, Mr Hou has described as an important project that is expected to reduce electricity costs in the country.
Apart from climate change, Prime Minister Hou also highlighted other areas of interest to Solomon Islands regarding fisheries, maritime policing, training opportunities and education scholarships.
Meanwhile, Minister Astrup said Norway is keen in assisting in the areas of renewable energy, fisheries, and climate change through multi-lateral means and signaled Norway’s interest in sharing its experience with Solomon Islands to address issues regarding ocean resources, over fishing and plastic pollution in the oceans.