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.
