Prime Minister Honorable Manasseh Sogavare MP has described the decision to enter into a bilateral relationship with People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2019 as“…the single most important decision” since independence
The Prime Minister echoed the statement in an evening dinner reception at Heritage Park Hotel to formally welcome the PRC ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Cai Weiming.
PM Sogavare acknowledged the elevation of the bilateral relation to a comprehensive strategic partner status, owing to the “…mutual respect for our common agenda and shared prosperity”.
PM Sogavare further reiterated the country’s recognition for the “One China Principle” adding that Solomon Islands respects its territorial sovereignty “…and will continue to work with PRC as a strategic partner based on solidarity and unity and principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and mutual prosperity”.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to China’s assistance in helping the country to host the biggest Pacific Games. Adding that the Sports City and the Pacific Games 2023 are testament of the importance of the relationship.
The Prime Minister further highlighted his two trips to China, in both occasions, he met President Xi Jinping and the president assured the Prime Minister that “China is ready to share with the Solomon Islands the development opportunities brought by Chinese modernization, further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 of the Solomon Islands, expand practical cooperation in various fields, import more competitive products from the Solomon Islands, and help the country achieve development, revitalization and long-term stability”.
PM Sogavare added that “what the people of Solomon Islands have enjoyed and will continue to benefit from well into the future are the fruits of these discussions”.
PM Sogavare further ran through in brief the number of assistance PRC provided to the country. These are assistance during the COVID 19, newly built dormitories at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) which will be handed over to the university next week.
The Prime Minister further stated that only last week exchange of notes were signed to pave the way for a feasibility team to travel to Auki to do the Auki Road Tar Sealing Project. Last week as well, the groundbreaking ceremony took place to kick start the construction of the comprehensive medical centre project.
The Prime Minister added that also in the implementation stage the Rural Development Sustainable Program that is fully funded by PRC, and it aims to grow economic and social development.
PM Sogavare also pointed out that a number of MOUs and exchange of notes were completed in December 2022 to formalize the utilization of non- reciprocal preferential market access to China.
The PM Sogavare underlined that the government is anticipating a protocol to enable the export of Agriculture and Fisheries products to China.
“What we want is trade. We want economic independence and not aid dependence. This is our priority going forward, “the Prime Minister underscored.
PM Sogavare also acknowledged the on- going construction of communication towers which will enable rural people to take part in e- commerce and participate in the non- reciprocal preferential market access to China.
The Prime Minister further spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, both we have signed up to. These initiatives encouraged green development, new- type industrialization and digital economy and participation in new industrial revolution which will boost high- quality development.
PM Sogavare highlighted that we look for more productive engagements between the two countries.
“Let us show the world what South- South cooperation can achieve, especially between two developing countries”, the Prime Minister concluded.
Source: OPMC Press Secretariat
