Solomon Islands and China reaffirm stronger bilateral ties, with new funding, visa progress and development cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela, held official talks with Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, during his official visit to China.
The two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the strong and growing relationship between Solomon Islands and China and exchanged views on a broad range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed progress in cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations and discussed opportunities to further deepen collaboration in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Houenipwela stated that Solomon Islands values its comprehensive and strategic partnership with China and acknowledged the strong cooperation between our two countries and the enormous development assistance provided to Solomon Islands over the course of the diplomatic relations. Foreign Minister also took the opportunity to reaffirm the GREAT Governments commitment and adherence to the One China Principle, recognizing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, as enshrined under the UNGA Resolution 2758. Solomon Islands will continue to recognize that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
FM Houenipwela echoed the GREAT Governments policy objectives to provide free education and increase people to people exchange, accelerate infrastructure development, and improve renewable energy development to reduce the cost of electricity by 80%.
Minister Wang Yi responded that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with the Solomon Islands, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand practical cooperation in areas such as green energy, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in education, healthcare, and youth. FM Wang Yi informed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – Solomon Islands visa exemption arrangement has been green lit and is nearing completion, giving more opportunity for increased people-to-people exchange. He also informed that China would provide an additional 1 million USD for post-disaster relief to aid Solomon Island communities affected by Cyclone Malia and a further 10 million USD toward the Rural Sustainable Development Program.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments in the Pacific and global issues of common concern, underscoring the importance of dialogue, multilateralism, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
After the bilateral talks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted Minister Houenipwela for a luncheon and proceeded to have friendly discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Minister Houenipwela’s official visit to China reflects the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthening bilateral ties and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.
PRESS RELEASE
