BY NED GAGAHE
China has reaffirmed its commitment to support Solomon Islands’ national development priorities, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation during talks between Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela and the Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chen Xiaodong, in Beijing.
The meeting is part of Minister Houenipwela’s official visit to China and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key development sectors, a statement from the Ministry said yesterday.
Chairman Chen said China respects Solomon Islands’ choice of a development path suited to its national circumstances and remains committed to supporting the country’s economic and social development.
He revealed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, China has provided aid worth 1.8 billion RMB (approximately SBD2.8 billion) to Solomon Islands.
According to Chairman Chen, the assistance has contributed significantly to improving the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders through major infrastructure and development projects.
Among the projects highlighted were the National Stadium built for the 2023 Pacific Games, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) student dormitory, the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre, the Dala-Atori Road in Malaita Province, and other development initiatives.
Minister Houenipwela thanked the Chinese Government for its continued assistance, describing the bilateral relationship as relatively young but one that has expanded rapidly since diplomatic ties were established seven years ago.
He acknowledged China’s extensive support and noted that more than 40 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that have been signed between the two countries, providing a strong foundation for further cooperation.
Minister Houenipwela also briefed Chairman Chen on the Wale Government’s GREAT policy priorities, including the introduction of free education, reducing electricity costs by up to 80 percent, and accelerating infrastructure development to improve production and national connectivity.
Chairman Chen welcomed the government’s development agenda and said CIDCA stands ready to align its development assistance with Solomon Islands’ national priorities by supporting high-impact projects.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in human resource development.
Minister Houenipwela acknowledged China’s contribution to education and capacity building, noting that 202 Solomon Islands students are currently studying at Chinese universities, while more than 1,300 Solomon Islanders have received professional training in China through short-term programmes.
Both sides agreed to continue expanding technical cooperation, institutional partnerships, training opportunities, knowledge-sharing and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions concluded with both governments reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership and advance development cooperation for the mutual benefit of Solomon Islands and China.
Photo credit: MFAET
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