CHINESE Premier Li Qiang has described China and Solomon Islands as comprehensive strategic partners based on mutual respect and a common development agenda for a new era.
Premier Li uttered this when congratulating the MP for Kia-Hograno-Havulei following his election as Prime Minister on May 2.
He said since the establishment of diplomatic relations almost years ago, the bilateral ties between China and Solomon Islands developed rapidly and political mutual trust has been continuously deepened and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, becoming a model for South-South cooperation among developing countries.
Premier Li said the Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with Solomon Islands and is ready to work with Prime Minister Manele and his government to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance friendly exchanges and push for new progress in their comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era so as to benefit the two countries and their people.
Meanwhile, at his first press conference last Friday, Prime Minister Manele said Solomon Islands will continue to work with all its diplomatic partners, including China and in his inaugural speech stated that he will serve the interests of Solomon Islands and its citizens above all other interests.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
