BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

New Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador Cai Weiming has said China will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands to the best of its ability.

He assured that China will continue to share opportunities from China’s path to modernisation.

The ambassador highlighted the aim to create greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2035 Development Strategy of Solomon Islands.

“We will stick to the pursuit of win-win cooperation and make the cake bigger,” Mr Cai said.

He highlighted the focus of China’s support includes the development of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in Solomon Islands. Additionally, China aims to promote the export of more competitive Solomon Islands agricultural and fishery products to China, support rural livelihoods, and deepen police and security cooperation with Solomon Islands to contribute to social and economic development.

Cai expressed a dedication to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and consolidating the friendship between the two nations.

China plans to facilitate sub-national cooperation, strengthen exchanges with local provinces and cities, and expand the circle of friendships between the two countries.

“We will propel the momentum of people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the friendship between our two people,” Cai said.

China will continue to facilitate the sub-national cooperation, enhance exchanges with local provinces and cities, and expand the circle of friendships between our two countries.

“In our four years of relationship, PRC has done much for Solomon Islands and our people.

“I have been on two official visits to China in this short period already, and on these two occasions, I had fruitful face-to-face discussion with your President Xi Jinping,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said.

Sogavare emphasised that the benefits derived from these discussions will continue to positively impact the people of Solomon Islands in the future.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

New China Ambassador to Solomon Islands Cai Weiming has reiterated that China will always be a trustworthy friend, a reliable brother and faithful partner of Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the welcome reception at the Heritage Park Hotel Mr Cai highlighted that China-Solomon Islands relations is keeping pace with the trend of history and are in line with the fundamental interests of our two peoples.

“It will definitely have a bright future.”

He said although China and Solomon Islands are separated by the Pacific Ocean, the two countries have always walked side by side in the common vision of peace and development, unremittingly pursuing a better life for people.

“We will adhere to the principle of mutual trust and deepen the bilateral relations.

“During the past four years, the Solomon Islands government has firmly abided by one-China principle, which is a political foundation of our bilateral relations.

“China will support Solomon Islands in upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and choose a development path suited to its national conditions. China will stick to its policy towards the Pacific island countries based on ‘four fully respects’, to deepen political dialogue and consolidate the mutual political trust,” Cai said.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Solomon Islands and the Peoples Republic of China have come a long way and have signed the joint communiqué to establish formal relations on September 21, 2019.

“On that day, we made the conscious decision to stand on the right side of history,” PM Sogavare said.

He said it was the single most important decision that this country has made since Independence in 1978.

“I am pleased to recognise our relations has been elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partner status this year based on mutual respect for our common agenda and shared prosperity.

“As we continue our journey in the new era of bilateral relations. I wish to reiterate that Solomon Islands firmly uphold the One China Principle, respects its territorial sovereignty, and will continue to work with PRC as a strategic partner based on solidarity and unity and the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and mutual prosperity,” Sogavare said.

He also highlighted that exactly a year after Solomon Islands established the historic diplomatic relationship with PRC, the PRC Embassy opened in the country.

Therefore, partnership will strengthen the people to people diplomacy, commercial relations, and enhance stronger bilateral ties between our two countries, and surely open up foreign investment opportunities that can be pursued looking ahead.

“I am confident that we will build on the good work that has been done by your predecessor,” PM Sogavare said.

BY NED GAGAHE

CAI Weiming, the new Chinese Ambassador has congratulated the Solomon Islands Government on the successful hosting of the 17th Pacific Games.

Mr Cai expressed his congratulations and warm greetings to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare at the landmark ground breaking ceremony of the new state of the art Comprehensive Medical Centre on Friday 15^th at National Referral Hospital (NRH) eastern side.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare attended the landmark ground breaking ceremony along with Minister of Health and Medical Services Culwick Togamana, other Ministers of the Crown, senior government officials and invited guests.

“As the second Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Solomon Islands, I am honored to attend this grand event on the 4^th day of my arrival.

“First of all, please allow me on behalf of the government and the people of the PRC to express warm welcome and congratulations to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands government and the people of Solomon Islands on the ground breaking of the CMC project.

“I would also like to extend my warn congratulations to Solomon Islands for successfully hosting the 17^th Pacific Games.

“Although I was not lucky enough to attend the event in person, I knew that the games had first class venue facilities perfect event organization and high-quality competitions from online platforms and media reports.

“It is a successful green exciting and unparallel event.

“Solomon Islands has shown the world its beautiful scenery and splendid culture as well as the kindness unity and fraternity of its people.

“The Chinese Government and its people would like to sincerely congratulate the people of Solomon Islands for realizing the dreams of generations.” Ambassador Cai Weiming said.