BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has expressed appreciation at New Zealand’s continued development assistance to Solomon Islands.
PM Hou uttered this during the country’s marking of the Waitangi Day at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence on Tuesday this week.
He acknowledges the people and government of New Zealand for assistance, which covers a whole range of areas including governance, education, infrastructure, aviation, fisheries, and security.
Hou also emphasised the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and scholarships programme which has benefited so many Solomon Islanders immensely.
“Even so, for the RSE scheme it is an area we would still like to see more Solomon Islanders participate in and benefit from, and I look forward to further discussion to strengthen this scheme.
“You’re Excellency, whilst it is nice and important to talk about our two countries strong and deepening relationships.
“Especially in the areas of socio-economic development, trade, politics and other areas, it is human element or people to people relationships that are most meaningful to us islands people.”
