Office of the Historian

A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: The Solomon Islands

Summary

Relations between the United States and what is now the Solomon Islands began in the late 19th century, when U.S. vessels began stopping at the islands. During World War II they became the site of intense battles between U.S. and Japanese forces, particularly on the island of Guadalcanal. Relations remained mostly informal until after the Solomon Islands gained their independence in 1978.

Modern Flag of The Solomon Islands

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of the Solomon Islands, 1978.

The United States recognized the Solomon Islands on July 7, 1978, when Senator John H. Glenn, as the President’s Personal Representative, delivered a letter to that effect from President Jimmy Carter to Prime Minister Peter Kauona Keniaraisoona Kenilorea. The Solomon Islands previously had been under British sovereignty.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1978.

Diplomatic relations were established on October 9, 1978, when Mary S. Olmsted presented her credentials as Ambassador to the Solomon Islands. Olmstead also was accredited to Papua New Guinea and was resident at Port Moresby.

Establishment of the U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands, 1988.

The U.S. Consulate in Honiara was upgraded to Embassy status on July 4, 1988, with William Warren as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Closure of U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands, 1993.

The United States closed its Embassy at Honiara on July 30, 1993. Ambassador Robert William remained Ambassador to the Solomon Islands and was also accredited to Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and was resident at Port Moresby.

Re-opening of the U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands, 2023.

The United States re-opened its Embassy at Honiara on January 27, 2023, under the direction of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Russell Comeau.

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