THE sister relationship between Malaita Province and China’s Jiangsu Province is thriving.
The friendship agreement between the two provinces was sealed in 2024 and it led to the provision of significant support in the form of livelihood materials and seminar training by Jiangsu to Malaita.
Speaking at the Revised Budget 2024/2025 Meeting of the Malaita Provincial Assembly earlier this week, Premier Elijah Asilaua highlighted the positive impact of the ongoing relationship.
He emphasised that the partnership continues to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the two provinces.
“Our province’s sister relationship with Jiangsu has been instrumental in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, contributing to win-win outcomes in areas such as economic trade, education, agriculture, health, and livelihoods.
“To date, we have received vital livelihood materials to support our communities and have participated in seminar training tailored to our specific leadership roles and responsibilities,” Premier Asilaua said.
Premier Asilaua expressed optimism for continued cooperation between the two sister provinces.
He stressed the importance of future training programmes and scholarships to support human resource development.
Premier Asilaua also emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue to promote mutual visits, facilitate communication on shared concerns and strengthen exchanges in education, health, trade and livelihoods.
He said Malaita Province faces challenges to improving its infrastructure due to the numerous sectoral demands it continues to face.
Therefore, Premier Asilaua said close collaboration with the national government and support from bilaterial partners and development agencies is crucial to address these challenges.
He thanked China for its support, particularly through collaboration with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) which is contracted to work on the Auki Road Tar Seal Project.
Premier Asilaua described the establishment of site camps for the project as a key milestone in the partnership.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
