THE next Solomon Islands Ambassador to the Peoples’ Republic of China is expected to be announced mid this year.
To date, the selection process has yet to be finalised by the government.
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Collin Beck, has clarified in a press conference that whichever candidate that is selected, it requires an agreement from the host country.
Mr Beck said once this is done, an announcement will be made and an appointment will be facilitated.
It is understood that the appointment of the next Ambassador to PRC will be announced before Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, visits China this June.
Prime Minister Sogavare is expected to officiate the opening of the Solomon Islands Chancery in Beijing and sign new infrastructure and economic development agreements under the second phase of the Solomon Islands-China bilateral relationship.
Several candidates have been identified to fill up the diplomatic position following the passing on of the country’s first-ever ambassador to China, Moffat Fugui in Beijing on 22 December, 2022.
The candidates who have been eyed for the position include Jaime Vokia, Jimson Tanangada, both former MPs, Tony Kabasi, former diplomat Bernard Bata’anisia, Media Consultant and journalist, Alfred Sasako and academic consultant and a graduate from the Wuhan University in China, Frank Bilaupaine.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
