SOLOMON Islands is keen to revisit its educational partnerships with Portugal to strengthen the bilaterial cooperation between the two countries, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said.
PM Manele expressed this at a courtesy meeting with the new Ambassador of Portugal to Solomon Islands António Albuquerque Moniz at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
Ambassador Moniz is in the country to present his Letters of Credentials and will leave on Friday back to Canberra, Australia, where he is based.
Further to congratulating Ambassador Moniz on his new posting, PM Manele took the opportunity to discuss the bilaterial relations between Solomon Islands and Portugal and the exploration of new avenues for enhanced cooperation.
Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with Portugal in 1996. The two countries have a growing partnership in areas such as sustainable development, maritime affairs, tourism and education.
Portugal offered training for Solomon Islands diplomats in Portugal and supported Solomon Islands medical students in Cuba.
“Solomon Islands is keen to revisit these initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” Prime Minister Manele emphasised.
PM Manele said Portugal’s significant role in international ocean governance, particularly in conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, is an area that Solomon Islands can learn from, especially in tackling challenges related to climate change and sustainable fisheries.
PM Manele and Ambassador Moniz also discussed Portugal’s small direct support for sustainable development programmes, which Solomon Islands is keen to explore.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge Portugal’s contributions through the European Union’s Development Fund, which has assisted Solomon Islands in its development efforts.
The PM assured Ambassador Moniz of Solomon Islands Government’s support throughout his tenure as non-resident Ambassador of Portugal to Solomon Islands.
Ambassador Moniz said Portugal’s extensive knowledge and technology in renewable energy, particularly in wind, solar and hydropower, could provide valuable support for Solomon Islands in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing electricity access, especially in rural communities.
– OPMC
Photo caption: PM Jeremiah Manele and Portugal’s new Non-Resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands, António Albuquerque Moniz. Photo supplied
