BY CHRIS ALEX
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele and a high-level delegation returned yesterday from a significant state visit to China, marking an important step in the evolving diplomatic and economic relationship between the Solomon Islands and China.
The visit, from July 9 to 15, 2024, was characterized by a series of productive engagements, high-level meetings, and mutual agreements, setting a forward-looking course for bilateral relations.
In his first state visit to China as Prime Minister (PM), Manele underlined the success and importance of the trip. Accompanied by 10 ministers and four other Members of Parliament, including key figures such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, and the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, the delegation embarked on a mission to strengthen and diversify the ties between the two nations.
“I used the occasion of my visit to reaffirm the Solomon Islands’ comprehensive and strategic relations with China,” PM Manaele stated during a press briefing yesterday. “Our relationship is based on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual benefit, and mutual prosperity,” PM Manele told local journalists’ during an official press conference upon arrival at the Honiara International Airport.
According to PM Manele, the Solomon Islands and China have enjoyed a respectful and productive relationship since establishing diplomatic relations five years ago. This visit was a testament to the deepening ties, with his engaging in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Cheng.
He said that these meetings resulted in the confirmation of over $100 million in grant funding from China to support various developmental projects in the Solomon Islands, including the Auki Rota ceiling project.
“I was very happy and very happy to inform you that during these meetings, China confirmed it will provide grant funding, exceeding $100 million to finance the Auki Rota ceiling project and other priority projects agreed between the two governments,” PM Manele said.
Trade and education were significant focus areas during the visit. Three trade protocols were signed to facilitate the exporting of agricultural and marine products from the Solomon Islands to China. Additionally, China pledged 30 scholarships annually to Solomon Islands students, enhancing educational cooperation between the two countries.
The visit also highlighted the importance of sub-state relations, with agreements signed between Solomon Islands’ provinces and Chinese provinces.
In Fujian Province, an agreement was established to form sister relations with the Solomon Islands Western Province. Fujian Province is committed to fostering business and industrial connections, expanding cooperation in mining, fisheries, agriculture, and education, and bolstering tourism.
Similarly, in Shandong Province, a friendship cooperation agreement was signed with Isabel Province, and the Ocean University of China announced the establishment of a China-Solomon Islands Ocean Research Centre at Solomon Islands National University.
A notable highlight of the visit was the tour of Shandong Province’s fully automated seaport, the world’s first and only such port.
According to PM Manele, this technological marvel managed entirely through a centralized automated system, showcased China’s advancements in infrastructure and technology, offering valuable insights for the Solomon Islands.
He also addressed the ongoing efforts by certain international and domestic media platforms to circulate misinformation about the Solomon Islands’ relationship with China.
He reiterated that the relationship is based on mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty, similar to the Solomon Islands’ relations with other countries.
“Our relationship with China is the same as our relationship with any other country we have established diplomatic relations with,” PM Manele stressed. “The funding announced during my visit is grant funding to support specific agreed projects.”
Prime Minister Manele later highlighted China’s successful rural revitalization strategy, which has lifted millions out of poverty, and its potential as a model for the Solomon Islands. He stressed the importance of continuing to build partnerships with various countries to address the unique challenges faced by the Solomon Islands.
“The Solomon Islands will continue to cooperate with China, as it does with all our other partners, in all areas of mutual interest for our development at all levels,” PM Manele said. “We need more friends, more partners to address all our challenges going forward.”
Prime Minister Manele’s state visit to China has indeed set a promising path for the Solomon Islands, paving the way for enhanced cooperation, economic growth, and mutual prosperity.
