French envoy pays courtesy visit to PM

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela (right) and Ambassador of the Republic of France to Solomon Islands His Excellency Gilles Favret. Photo from PM Press Secretariat.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has met with the non-resident ambassador of France to Solomon Islands His Excellency Gilles Favret, on Wednesday this week.

Prime Minister Hou was informed of an upcoming visit by five French senators who will be visiting the country in September.

The ambassador has also indicated the positive opportunities that both countries can pursue.

Hou and Favret also discussed some of the challenges that Solomon Islands is currently facing.

The Prime Minister said youth population and unemployment are some of the major challenges faced by the country.

Hou said the high rate of youth population in the country is also linked to the challenges with the increase in unemployment.

He acknowledged that the challenge for the government is to create opportunities for Solomon Islanders to be employed and help sustain themselves.

The Prime Minister also highlighted challenges on physical infrastructure.

He said Solomon Islands is scattered and interconnectedness remains a challenge.

The Prime Minister also briefed the ambassador on the progress of the undersea cable project and its positive expectations.

“Apart from the many benefits the undersea cable will bring forward, a faster and reliable telecommunication will also help to unite and connect Solomon Islands,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also conveyed his congratulations to the government and people of France for winning the recent FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

–OPMC PRESS

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