More Vehicles For Pacific Games

Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare on Monday 24th July 2023, received more vehicles for Pacific Games.

In a significant move to enhance transportation logistics during the 2023 Pacific Games, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare received the first fourteen of forty vehicles donated by the Government of the Republic of Korea. The handover ceremony took place at the Hyundai Kosol Office in Ranadi on Monday, July 24th, 2023, where His Excellency Ho-Jeung Kang, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Solomon Islands, presented the vehicles.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Kang highlighted the longstanding partnership between Korea and Solomon Islands, emphasizing the extensive cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1978. He mentioned various areas of development collaboration, including climate change, oceans, fisheries, and the ongoing Tina River hydro project led by K-water, which is expected to bring immense benefits to the people of Solomon Islands.

Expressing pride in supporting the Solomon Islands government, Ambassador Kang conveyed his hopes that the forty vehicles would serve as a driving force for unity and prosperity in the region, enabling the successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games.

Prime Minister Sogavare extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of Korea for the generous donation, which is valued at approximately 8.3 million dollars in the local currency, equivalent to one million United States dollars. He recognized the vital role the vehicles would play in facilitating transportation and logistics for the Games Organizing Committee.

The National Hosting Authority (NHA) will primarily store most of the forty vehicles until closer to the games, ensuring their efficient and strategic use. Moreover, a well-defined post-games legacy plan will be implemented to allocate the vehicles to their respective roles after the event. This prudent approach aims to ensure a seamless transition for the vehicles’ utilization even after the conclusion of the Pacific Games.

The Solomon Islands Government is eagerly gearing up to host the 17th Pacific Games in Honiara from November 19th to December 2nd, 2023.

Source: OPMC Press Secretariat