THE Government’s Core Ministerial Coordination Committee (CMCC) met on Wednesday to discuss and identify the development gaps in relation to the current change in the government’s foreign policy on the ‘One China Principle’.
Permanent Secretaries from various government ministries were summoned to attend the meeting on ROC-funded projects and identify issues that require urgent attention, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, health and rural development where Taiwan previously provided assistance.
Chairperson of the CMCC and Deputy Prime Minister John Maneniaru said the government is greatly thankful to the people and government of Taiwan for the deep and friendly relations and cooperation that we have shared over the last 36 years.
And he assured the public any existing gaps would be comprehensively addressed in the best interests of national peace, progress and prosperity.
Maneniaru further assured parents of students studying in Taiwan that the government is working closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, to ensure immediate issues relating to their welfare, education and if necessary repatriation, are effectively managed and prioritised.
In the meantime, he said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the Solomon Islands Embassy in Taiwan and reports from the Ambassador stated that all students are well looked after.
“I also wish to reassure the public that the government is addressing the welfare of our students in Taiwan,” he added.
Maneniaru further added that following what it describes as media misconceptions of the Kadere Party of Solomon Islands (KPSI) being divisive for the DCGA and its leadership.
He explained that there is no intention to split the coalition or undermine Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s leadership.
“The party position was based on a series of meetings which resolved that all the reports and any issue therein be given time for us to be able to make an informed decision.
“As a result, majority of party members voted in support of other members of Caucus who supported the change in diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the PRC,” Maneniaru stated.
