A DELEGATION from China’s Fujian Province paid a courtesy call on the Western Provincial Government (WPG) on Friday as part of Fujian’s sister relations engagement with the Western Province.
The courtesy meeting was held at the Provincial Assembly Chamber in Gizo.
The delegation, led by Deputy Director General Foreign Affairs of Fujian Provincial People’s Government Chen Guoquan, included the Director of Division of Fisheries and Quality Supervision, Zhu Hong, Director Office of Overseas Cooperation Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Ye Xinfu, Deputy Director Chian National Engineering Research Centre of Juncao Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin Dongmei and Principal Staff member Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Province People’s Government, Ms Lin Xiaojing.
Fujian Province established sister relations with the Western Province this year.
Through an interpreter, Mr Chen explained that the main objective of their visit was to build on the success of the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s visit to China in July this year.
Under the strategic guidance and mutual agreement of the leaders of both countries – Prime Minister Manele and President Xi Jinping, he said the visit was aimed at further strengthening the trust and cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
“The main purpose of our visit to Western Province is to learn about the basics of Western Province so as to further enhance cooperation in areas such as poverty, alienation, culture, education, tourism and much more.”
He said the Western Province Premier Veo also visited the capital of Fujian Province recently and met with the Fujian Governor.
“The Governor of the Capital of Fujian Province and Premier Billy discussed how to deepen the sub-regional cooperation between the two sister provinces.
‘’With the recent visit here in Western Province and Gizo, there is a lot of potential sites, especially rich in marine resources, agriculture, fisheries and other resources,’’ Mr Chen said.
He also extended an invitation to WPG officials to visit Fujian Province.
Deputy Premier Lotikena warmly welcomed the delegation to Western Province
“On behalf of the WPG and the people of Western Province , we welcome you and we extend to your esteemed delegation and the good people of Fujian Province good tidings as we approach this festive season.
“It is indeed a humbling experience to be able to receive you on our humble shores. We look to fostering a mutual and lasting relationship between our two provinces, which hopefully will bring reciprocal benefits to our people as we attempt to navigate the ever-changing local regional and global landscape,” he said.
Following their arrival in Gizo, the delegation made a short 2-hour trip to Mile 6 cattle farm before boarding a plane back to Honiara.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
