Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare this afternoon formally received and welcomed State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic China, H.E Wang Yi to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“The Government and people of Solomon Islands welcome you to our shores. Please convey our greetings to President H.E. Xi Jinping,” Prime Minister Sogavare told H.E Wang Yi.
“Your visit to Solomon Islands makes a bold statement on your country’s firm solidarity with Solomon Islands based on the principle of equality and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
The Prime Minister said, since establishing the relationship almost 3 years ago, the SI-PRC cooperation has deepened whilst at the same time, received a lot of attention from all fronts.
China is now Solomon Islands largest infrastructure partner, the Prime Minister stated.
Solomon Islands is grateful for the health equipment, supplies, testing capability and the National Hospital Referral Centre to be built by China.
Prime Minister Sogavare also thank H.E. Wang Yi on behalf of Beijing for offering training for our 2023 athletes and coaches.
On scholarship, more students will be sent to China as offers of scholarships open.
The Government also thank the excellent work of the Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands especially in strengthening the SI-PRC relationship.
Prime Minister Sogavare further appreciates the non-reciprocal arrangement and exchange of notes signed today. The Civil Air Transport Agreement and visa waiver are catalyst to economic boom and bond of our friendship.
Honiara has also reassured Beijing of support for the “One China Policy” and respect China’s territorial integrity.
The country further appreciated PRC’s security investment in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
The blue economy will open up new opportunities to further enhance the wellbeing of our peoples and shared progress our shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, H.E Wang warmly accepts the hospitality he received.
Choosing Solomon Islands as the first stop in this seven nation tour is a bold statement on China’s firm solidarity with Solomon Islands based on the principle of equality and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
The trip would contribute to prompting peace, stability and prosperity in the wider Pacific.
His Excellency Wang said, China highly appreciates the fact that in a short span of just about 32 months, the China-Solomon Islands relations have become stronger than ever before. China is fully confident in the prospects of bilateral relations and will take a series of measures to support and assist Solomon Islands achieve stable development.
He said, China and Solomon Islands share broad interests.
China will continue firmly upholding multilateralism in the international arena and vigorously defend the legitimate claims of developing countries like Solomon Islands.
Further, a few countries’ attempt to constantly interfere in other countries’ domestic affairs in the name of human rights under the Cold-War mentality and jointly uphold the basic norms of international relations and international fairness and justice.
SOURCE: OPMC PRESS
