Prime Minister Matthew Wale reaffirms Solomon Islands’ commitment to stronger ties with Indonesia through cooperation and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening ties with Indonesia through closer cooperation, cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people connections.
He made the remarks when he met Indonesia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E. Okto Dorinus Manik, and the commanding officer of the visiting Indonesian hospital ship KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 (KRI WSH-991), Colonel (Navy) Benedictus Hery Murwanto, and his delegation at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s continued engagement with Solomon Islands, acknowledging the Indonesian Ambassador’s efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.
“We enjoy our relationship with Indonesia. We value it and appreciate the friendship,” the Prime Minister said.
He described Indonesia as a vibrant democracy and a tolerant society, noting that despite the significant difference in size between the two countries, there was considerable potential to expand cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding.
A key focus of the meeting was the importance of people-to-people engagement, particularly between Solomon Islanders and Indonesia’s Melanesian communities, including those from West Papua.
“When you come here, you are home,” Prime Minister Wale told a group of West Papuan university students who were part of the delegation.
He welcomed the students’ participation in the visit and encouraged stronger connections between the peoples of both countries.
The Prime Minister said the Government wanted to see greater engagement between the two countries, including exploring ways to facilitate travel and exchanges, subject to applicable immigration and residency requirements.
“The more our people engage with one another, the greater the understanding, and the deeper our friendship becomes,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale said there was much the two countries could achieve together and reaffirmed his commitment to building on their existing relationship.
Colonel Benedictus, the commanding officer of the Indonesian hospital ship, thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Solomon Islands for their hospitality and for providing the delegation with opportunities to engage directly with local communities.
He said the visit had enabled meaningful interactions between Indonesian personnel and Solomon Islanders, including community visits to White River and engagements with church and Muslim communities.
The delegation comprised personnel from various branches of the Indonesian armed forces and police, students, and representatives from different ministries, providing opportunities for engagement and cultural exchange.
Colonel Benedictus said the delegation had been encouraged by the warm reception from local communities and expressed hope that similar visits could continue to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the prospect of continued engagement and accepted an invitation to visit Jakarta, Indonesia, at a mutually convenient time.
SOURCE// OPMC PRESS RELEASE
