THE Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming has underscored development as a legitimate right of all developing countries as only through continuous development that people can dream for a better life.
Ambassador Cai was speaking at the handing over of livelihood items donated by the Chinese Embassy to Ngella Constituency at the Chinese Embassy on Monday.
The gifts include one generator, four sewing machines, 20 radios, 20 solar batteries and 120 t-shirts and were received by the Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency, Choylin Yim Douglas, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Robert Manebona and constituency reps.
The ambassador expressed hope that these donated resources will help improve the living and working conditions of the recipients and went on to emphasise the importance of development.
“Dear friends, the right to development is the legitimate right of all developing countries. Only through continuous development can people dream for a better life.”
On that note, he assured that China will continue to provide support within its capacity for the development of Solomon Islands to bring more tangible benefits to Solomon Islanders and advance the modernisation of both China and Solomon Islands.
Ambassador Cai highlighted that the Central Islands Province Premier Michael Salini, during a visit to China by Solomon Islands premiers, expressed strong will for Central Islands Province to establish sister relations with a Chinese province.
He said the Chinese Embassy has warmly welcomed the proposal and will support any provincial cooperation between China and Central Islands Province.
The ambassador also took the opportunity to thank MP Douglas for her assistance in connecting the Chinese Embassy with communities of her constituency.
“This shows how much you prioritise your people’s needs and we are very happy to help. We believe that with your efforts, your people will enjoy a better life and our bilaterial relations will enjoy a better future,” he added.
The ambassador also took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the five-year-old China-Solomon Islands bilaterial relations to the Central Islands Province.
“The China-Solomon Islands relations also benefit the people of Central Islands Province. Five mobile towers have gone online in your province, boosting the communication connectivity in communities as of this month.
“China gives Solomon Islands zero tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, which makes it easier for people from the Central Islands Province to export goods to China.
“Our visa-exemption deal will take effect on 28 December 2024, which will attract more Chinese tourists to visit your beautiful province.
“The 2025 Chinese Government Scholarship is open to the public. We welcome more students from your communities to apply.”
In response, CDO Manebona expressed appreciation for the gifts and kind words expressed by Ambassador Cai.
“I sincerely thank the PRC for this generous Christmas gifts to the people and communities of Ngella and you.”
He said the donated goods will contribute towards the improvement of the livelihood of people in the constituency.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
