SOLOMON Islands diplomatic relations with China with the various development corporations the two countries established under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are critical for Solomon Islands to meet the requirements for graduation from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2027.
This was underscored by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele when he appeared on a special China Global Television Network (CGTN) program for the 53rd Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in the Kingdom of Tonga.
The program themed Navigating Future Horizons –China Pacific Islands Dialogue’ highlighted the significant development progress Pacific Island states made through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The program was a collaborative effort between CGTN and 10 Pacific Island Media Organizations.
“As I’ve said earlier on a number of occasions, a lot has happened since we’ve established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic China on 21st September 2019.
“The corporations from the bilateral relations between our two countries have expanded into a good number of sectors and we would like to continue on that trajectory going forward,” PM Manele said.
PM Manele added, “For us, building the economy is critical so that we create jobs and income for our people so as investments in the social sector in terms of education and health, which are also critical for Solomon Islands.”
He said Solomon Islands is working hard in preparation for its graduation out of the Least Developed Country’ status in 2027.
As such, PM Manele said Solomon Islands cooperation with China is critical to its LDC graduation, just as its engagements with its other development partners.
He also touched on the importance of media cooperation between Solomon Islands and China and on that note thanked CGTN for its ongoing coverage of the Solomon Islands-China relations as well as the China-Pacific Island ties.
PM Manele added that Solomon Islands will continue to expand its media cooperation with China.
Solomon Star understands that Solomon Islands graduation from the LDC status is crucial to it meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda by the 2030 deadline.
PM Manele returned to the country on Sunday from Tonga, where he attended the 53rdPacific Islands Leaders’ Summit.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
