BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A delegation from Rennell and Bellona Province is expected to return to Solomon Islands this week after attending a high-level dialogue and cooperation meeting in China.
The delegation departed Honiara last Monday to participate in discussions that aim to strengthen ties between Rennell and Bellona Province and China’s Hainan Province.
Speaking to Island Sun, Acting Premier Collin Tesuatai said the delegation was led by Premier Sau’eha and included senior provincial officials.
He said that the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the sister-province relationship established in 2025.
Mr Tesuatai said the dialogue was held under China’s Global Civilisation Initiative and focused on cultural exchange, development cooperation, and expanding partnerships in key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, education, and infrastructure development.
He said Premier Sau’eha also met with the Vice Governor of Hainan Province to further strengthen bilateral relations and advance discussions on a formal sister-province agreement.
“The previous provincial government initiated this relationship, but the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was never signed. One of the key objectives of this visit was to continue discussions on formalising that partnership,” Tesuatai said.
He added that the visit also provided an opportunity for Hainan Province to engage with the new provincial government and reaffirm its commitment to the partnership.
During their visit, the delegation also met with Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato.
Tesuatai said he has been overseeing preparations for Rennell and Bellona Province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations while the delegation has been overseas.
“Since the delegation left last week, I have been responsible for ensuring preparations are on track before their return,” he said.
He said work on the venue and stage at the provincial headquarters in Rennell has already been completed, with the remaining logistical arrangements expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
The province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations are scheduled to be held later this month at the provincial headquarters in Rennell.
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