THE Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Collin Beck says Solomon Islands remains committed to the United States (US).
Mr Beck was speaking at a press conference yesterday in response to a question on whether Solomon Islands will be changing its stance on the security pact with China, given that is what the US government is demanding.
Mr Beck said the discussion has already happened, and Solomon Islands has clarified its position in relation to the treaty arrangement security cooperation we have with China.
“We have a very good relationship with the United States given the understanding that have been established as the Prime Minister, and the government have been meeting with the United State National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell,” he said.
He told the local journalists that US has respect Solomon Islands sovereign decision towards the bilateral security cooperation we have with China.
“As alluded to by the Prime Minister security arrangement we have with China was similar on what we have with Australia.
“Therefore, the treaty if we revoke it, it will be triggered by Solomon Islands on our own call, and it will be done as a last resort,” he concluded.
By FOLLET JOHN
Newsroom, Honiara
