Newly appointed Ambassador extends festive warmth to students in Beijing
On Christmas Day, Solomon Islands students studying in Beijing, China, were treated to a festive dinner hosted by the new Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Barrett Salato.
Ambassador Salato warmly welcomed the students during the gathering, extending felicitations and good wishes to them and their families for the holiday season. In his address, Salato reflected on the significance of the birth of Jesus, emphasizing its symbol of love, peace, tolerance, and compassion.
The program featured prayers, singing of traditional Christmas songs, and gift exchanges. Ambassador Salato emphasised the importance of studying in the People’s Republic of China, acknowledging the diverse and productive role played by Solomon Islands students in the country.
“I wish to acknowledge the diverse and productive role being played by all Solomon Islands students studying in China,” he added. Ambassador Salato reminded the students that, as ambassadors of Solomon Islands in China, they should strive to represent their country effectively.
Highlighting the broader relationship between the Solomon Islands and China, Salato noted that China is the largest infrastructure and biggest trading partner of the Solomon Islands. He assured attendees that he would actively advance the interests of the Solomon Islands Government in China, seeking the continuous support of the Solomon Islands diaspora in the country.
Acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, the late Ambassador John M. Fugui, Ambassador Salato emphasized the significant role Fugui played in initiating and strengthening economic, social, and political relations between Solomon Islands and China.
Furthermore, Ambassador Salato reaffirmed and supported the recognition of the “One China Principle.” He emphasized that the bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and China are based on shared principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference.
In response, student representative Mr. Ishmael Nelson Ameo expressed gratitude to H.E Salato, his family, and the Embassy for hosting the Christmas dinner. Mr. Ameo pledged the ongoing support of Solomon Islands students in China for the work of the Embassy, extending well wishes to Ambassador Salato and his family in their three-year posting as Head of Mission in the newly established Embassy of Solomon Islands in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
Currently, there are more than 100 Solomon Islands students enrolled in various universities across China, their education fully funded by the Government of China.
Source: MFAET
