THE country’s Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will travel to Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) capital for a first ever official visit since establishing diplomatic ties fortnight ago.
A statement from the Prime Minister Press Secretariat last night said the trip comes at the invitation of the President of the PRC’s Government Xi Jinping following establishment of the country’s diplomatic ties with PRC.
“This visit follows an invitation from the President of the PRC’s Government Xi Jinping after the historical signing of diplomatic recognitions by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele and State Councillor Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China on 21st September 2019 in Beijing, PRC.
“This is a historical and significant visit as it will be the first time for a Prime Minister from Solomon Islands to travel to the People’s Republic of China under a diplomatic framework,” the statement said.
During the official visit Prime Minister Sogavare will be meeting with the President and other high-level dignitaries from the Government of the People’s Republic of China including visits to areas of significant importance to both Solomon Islands and PRC.
A number of memorandum of understandings (MOU) will be executed between the Government of Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China during the Prime Minister’s Official Visit.
They include deals on education, economic and technical cooperation and foreign affairs.
“These MoUs will pave the way for both countries to strengthen and enhance cooperation in each respective field of engagement,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister’s delegation will include government ministers, government officials, representatives of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) and local businesses representatives.
In Prime Minister’s absence, the Minister for Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga will be Acting Prime Minister.
