THE Government is believed to have drawn up a list of candidates to fill Solomon Islands’ Embassy in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), informed sources have confirmed.
Solomon Star has seen a copy of the list, which consists of two former Members of Parliament, a non-serving diplomat, a former senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade administrator, a consultant academic and a media consultant/journalist.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to be briefed on the list when he arrives back from leave today (12 January).
On the list are Jaime Vokia, Jimson Tanagada both former MPs, Tony Kabasi, former diplomat Bernard Bata’anisia, Media Consultant and Journalist, Alfred Sasako and academic consultant, Frank Bilaupaine, a graduate from Wuhan University in China.
Informed sources said Prime Minister Sogavare would decide the appointment in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade over the next few weeks.
The Beijing Office become vacant following the death last December of Ambassador John Moffat Fugui, the first Ambassador to serve there.
Sources said the list is an interesting mix and urge the government to find the best candidate out of it, given the growing importance of the robust diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and China.
“We need someone with a good grip in understanding China and appreciating how its system works. At the same time, there is need to consider increasing the staffing level at the Embassy in Beijing to reflect the importance we attach to our growing relations with China,” one source said.
“The appointment should not be the focus. Maximizing mutual benefits from the relations should be the sole focus of the new appointment.”
Solomon Star spoke to a number of candidates on the list but those spoken to said they had not been approached.
By Alfred Sasako
