DILI, 09 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands reaffirmed their commitment to peer learning and cooperation through a regional seminar on “Peer Learning and Natural Resource Management,” held today in Honiara under the framework of the g7+.
The one-day seminar, organized by the g7+ Secretariat, served as a platform for both countries—members of the g7+—to share experiences and best practices in natural resource management to support sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, Francisco Monteiro, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted the g7+ as a symbol of solidarity among nations navigating their own paths toward sustainable development.
“Timor-Leste is proud to be a member of the g7+, and we come here with humility, not to say we are perfect or to present a model, but to share our experience, exchange lessons, and grow together with our brothers and sisters in Solomon Islands,” said Monteiro.
He stressed that Timor-Leste is building its mining sector based on transparency, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development—ensuring resource wealth directly benefits the population.
Helder da Costa, Secretary-General of the g7+, commended the Solomon Islands for its active participation in the group.
“We must reposition the g7+ not as a group of aid recipients, but as indispensable partners in global cooperation. The world needs what we have: natural wealth, strategic geography, and untapped human capital,” said da Costa.
He also introduced several upcoming initiatives, including the Natural Resource Revenue Facility, the g7+ Investment Bank, and the Resilience-Based Creditworthiness Index—designed to help member countries manage revenues, finance national infrastructure, and access development finance based on future potential, rather than current fragility.
Derrick Rawcliff Manuari, Solomon Islands Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, welcomed the Timorese delegation and emphasized the critical importance of sound resource governance.
“As custodians of petroleum and mineral wealth, we are acutely aware of the immense responsibility we carry. When managed well, these resources can become pillars of peace, engines of economic growth, and tools for nation-building. But if mismanaged, they can deepen fragility and fuel conflict,” warned Manuari.
He thanked the g7+ Secretariat for organizing the seminar and acknowledged Timor-Leste’s leadership and dedication to regional collaboration. He said the event was a real example of how countries facing similar challenges can help and learn from each other, which is a key goal of the g7+.
The seminar included panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and site visits aimed at tackling real-world challenges and exploring contextual solutions in resource governance.
With strong commitment and a common goal, both countries showed that learning from each other can lead to real and lasting progress. The Seminar highlight the g7+’s important role in sharing knowledge and supporting countries to take charge of their own development
Participants included officials from Timor-Leste’s National Minerals Authority (ANM), Murak Rai Timor (MRT), the Timor-Leste Geosciences Institute (IGTL), the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), as well as representatives from relevant Solomon Islands institutions.
Journalist: Cidalia Fatima
Editor: Filomeno Marins
