Preparations are ongoing for Solomon Islands to open its new Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this year, Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare told the visiting (UAE) non-resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Abdullah Al Subousi on Thursday 20th April.
Abu Dhabi is a strategic location for the diplomatic mission, a regional hub for the gulf region, North and East Africa where many large corporations around the world, including SMEs have established their regional offices and operations, said Prime Minister Sogavare.
“Government is committed to establishing a diplomatic Mission in Abu Dhabi in 2023, an opportunity to enhance our bilateral relationship and further explore more opportunities to have cooperation in the gulf region.”
Prime Minister Sogavare emphasised this is a priority for Solomon Islands and crucial in strengthening the SI-UAE engagement centred on mutual respect and admiration.
He adds the very fabric of the SI-UAE engagement has been the work to secure mutual benefits from engaging with each other on areas of common interests.
Solomon Islands acknowledges assistance from UAE on the Partnership in the Pacific Program and other developments both at the bilateral and international levels. Further cooperation opportunities include renewable energy, tourism investment, aviation, trade and labour mobility.
Prime Minister Sogavare congratulates UAE on the successful hosting of the World Expo in Dubai. The theme of ‘connecting minds-creating the future’ was realized for Solomon Islands with the forging of trade partnerships, and securing a distributor for Solomon Islands canned tuna exports. This is but only the start of greater opportunities and connections to be formed for businesses, trade and investment.
The Prime Minister adds Solomon Islands is keen to explore labour mobility engagement with UAE in the unskilled and semi-skilled sectors for seasonal or short-term labour mobility opportunities.
Congratulating UAE for its preparations to host the upcoming COP28, Prime Minister Sogavare said, there are enhanced investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, as well as to transform land and sea-based transport sectors to low carbon systems.
Acknowledging the warm welcome, His Excellency Abdullah Al Subousi said, this is the first of many more meaningful visits to Solomon Islands.
“UAE will step up dialogue and cooperation with Solomon Islands at all levels and our relations will continue to grow from strength to strength,” stressed H.E Abdullah Al Subousi.
He also conveyed an invitation for Prime Minister Sogavare to be a guest at this year’s COP28 to be hosted by UAE.
- PM Press Secretariat
