BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands and Indonesia are looking at ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education and training, maritime and shipping, and transport.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stated this during a media conference yesterday.
“Indonesia, as you can appreciate, is an increasingly important bilateral partner for the Solomon Islands. They funded and built the Friendship Hall for the 2023 Pacific Games, as well as the Burns Creek Clinic, which is about to be completed. Apart from that, over the years, Indonesia has also provided some scholarships to our students. Of course, we have an embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“We have in place a bilateral visa waiver agreement between our two countries for diplomatic and official passports. There is scope to expand our cooperation with Indonesia in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, cross-education and training, maritime and shipping, and transport.
Manele said two countries are working on developing a five-tier development cooperation framework under which will soon see these sectors falls under.
“In our case, through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Cooperation, is working with the Indonesian authorities. Usually, they come under the general framework cooperation. As and when there is a need for specific modes, those modes can be developed for specific sectors.” Manele said.
The Prime Minister also revealed that both countries are also discussing an air services agreement between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands to expand connectivity between the two nations.
“Draft modes on education cooperation and also on police cooperation are also ready for signing. Most likely, this will be signed early next year.” He said.
Prime Minister Manele said the police minister or the relevant ministers will be travelling to Indonesia to sign on those memorandums of understanding, especially on education cooperation and police cooperation.
“Indonesia is also an observer in the MSG. It is a member of the ASEAN group. Both Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are members of the Asian group at the UN, as well as the group of 77 in China at the UN in New York.
“You can also appreciate that both Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are also members of the Coral Triangle Initiative, which is important for us.
Prime Minister Manele will leave the country today to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency PRABOWO SUBIANTO and the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency GIBRAN RAKABUMING RAKA.
Indonesia has invited all Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders to the Inauguration
Ceremony happening this Sunday 20th October 2024.
Prime Minister Manele confirms through a media conference this afternoon, he has
accepted the invitation. He will return on Wednesday 23rd October.
