THE Government has announced that the country’s embassy in Havana, Cuba, will close soon.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Jeremiah Manele in Parliament on Tuesday.
He was contributing to a motion to thank the Governor General for the Speech from the Throne early last week.
Minister Manele said the government is embarking on a policy to look for opportunities in other countries and therefore is working to open new embassies.
He said with the closure of the Havana mission, Government will use the resources from the mission to open the new embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arabs Emirates (UAE).
The Havana mission is currently looked after by Ambassador Simeon Bouro.
Cuba office was operational since 2013, particularly to oversee the welfare of Solomon Islands students who undertake their studies there.
Minister Manele said the opening of the UAE embassy is part of the country’s move to boost trade and investment in that part of the world.
He further highlighted that the government will also open a new embassy in New Delhi, India, soon.
“An officer is now on the ground to look after the office until a new ambassador is appointed,” Minister Manele added.
Minister Manele also told Parliament that government is also looking at appointing a replacement for the Beijing Embassy following the death of the former Ambassador, John Moffat Fugui.
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is expected to open the new embassy office in New Delhi and Beijing sometimes this year.
By MOFFAT MAMU
