Solomon Island should learn from European Union (EU) as a young democratic country in the pacific says Ambassador Leonidas Tezapsidis, Head of the European Union Delegation to Solomon Islands & Vanuatu.
He highlighted this on Friday during the commemoration of EU day at Mendana Hotel.
Mr Tezapsidis said, EU profound desire is that Solomon Islands, a young democracy, a multi-ethnic country with unique diversity should learn and benefit from the successes and failures of European integration.
“Our profound desire is that Solomon Islands, a young democracy, a multi-ethnic country with unique diversity should learn and benefit from the successes and failures of European integration.
“Solomon Islanders and their leaders to see the advantages of “Unity in diversity” and to move beyond the narrow interests of their wantok, their village, their community; to develop and harvest the benefits of national projects and identity; to reap the benefits of regional integration in the Pacific.
“ The European experience has shown that peace and prosperity can only be secured and preserved by continuous commitment in democracy, rule of law and human rights,” he said.
He said both countries should raise a glass together to peace, prosperity, friendship and solidarity between the people of Europe and Solomon Islands.
“About 65 years ago, Robert Schuman called the European nations together to promote peace and prosperity in the world. The dreams of our founding fathers have become a reality.
“We have achieved reconciliation, greater tolerance, peace, and prosperity by overcoming divisions, uniting former enemies, pulling down national frontiers, sharing sovereignty, looking at the common European, rather than the narrow national interest. The European Union is a living everyday peace project; it is a project for the future,” he said.
By DENVER NEWTER
