The Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Li Ming, has concluded a two-day visit to Western Province, announcing the Embassy’s unqualified support for establishing sister-city relations between China’s Fujian Province and Western Province.
“The Chinese Embassy fully supports the establishment of a sister-relationship between Fujian Province and Western Province,” Ambassador Li said.
The visit which took place in Munda, Noro, and Gizo was Ambassador Li’s first official visit to Western Province since he arrived in the Solomon Islands last year.
“… the purpose of (my) visit is to further enhance mutual understanding and promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Solomon Islands as well as Western Province.
In a meeting with Premier David Gina, the visiting envoy said he appreciated the “outstanding role played by Western Province in developing relations with China.”
“… Western Province is abundant with beautiful scenery, ecological environment, rich natural resources, and most importantly hardworking people and pioneering spirit.
“China’s Fujian Province and Western Province are highly complementary and have big potentials of cooperation in economy, trade, culture, tourism, and other areas,” Ambassador Li said.
H.E. Li Ming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Solomon Islands paid his first official visit to Western Province from 26th to 27th January.
In a statement issued in Honiara over the weekend, Ambassador Li said he was warmly “greeted by Hon. David Gina, Premier of the Western Province, Hon. Sina Gina, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, ministers of the Western provincial government and traditional chiefs and other representatives from the province.”
In response, Premier Gina “warmly welcomed Ambassador Li for his first official visit to Western Province.” The Premier said that “Western Province is firmly committed to developing relations with China and looks forwards to deepening in-depth exchanges and cooperation with Fujian Province.”
During the 26-27 January visit, Ambassador Li visited the local fishery industry, sports facilities, and infrastructure projects in Munda, Noro, and Gizo.
Ambassador Li also visited local Chinese communities to convey greetings of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year.
The Ambassador encouraged Chinese citizens and nationals in Western Province to continue to make contributions to the local economy and development and further dedicate themselves to the friendship between China and Solomon Islands.
