Solomon Islands Signs on to BRI
The Solomon Islands has become the latest country to join more than 150 participants under the Belt and Road Initiative after signing the Memorandum of Understanding yesterday.
Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele signed the agreement on behalf of the Pacific Island nation, observed by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation.
Mr Manele also signed agreements in the areas of education, co-operation between the two foreign affairs ministries and economic and technological advancements.
During bilateral talks Mr Sogavare and China’s Premier Li Keqiang exchanged pleasantries and discussed areas of cooperation. Mr Sogavare said China’s economic achievements in modernising the country to become the second largest economy in the world is remarkable.
He said this was testament of the leadership and vision of China’s leaders and the Communist Party.
“Solomon Islands is pleased to recognise the One China Policy,” Mr Sogavare said.
“We are pleased to be the 179th country to formalise diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.”
“We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People’s Republic of China as a matter of fact alligning our foreign policy with both international relations and united nations resolution 2758.” He added that China’s rapid economic and development growth offers endless opportunities. The Solomon Islands delegation will tour China from October 8-13, 2019.
On September 21 Solomon Islands formalised its stance to establish diplomatic relations with China through a signing ceremony held in Beijing. The Melanesian country cut ties with Taiwan last month citing development challenges as an underlying reason and following a review of their foreign policy.