THE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Solomon Islands to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Unni Klovstad Excellency has presented her credentials to the Governor General His Excellency Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui, GCMG, CSI OBE at the Government House on Thursday morning.
In her opening remarks to mark the ceremony Her Excellency Kløvstad stated;
“I have the honor to present to You the Letter of Credence, which His Majesty King Harald V has addressed to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, accrediting me as His Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Solomon Islands.
“I would like to convey to Your Excellency, His Majesty King Harald’s warm personal greetings and most sincere wishes for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Solomon Islands,” she continued.
She acknowledged that while Norway and Solomon Islands could not be geographically further apart, there is a common interest shared between the two countries in the supporting “peace, security, welfare and sustainable development for all people.”
H.E. Unni Kløvstad also referred to the Solomon Islands and Norway as ocean nations and mentioning that; “Norway has always made its living from what the oceans have provided; fish, seafood, the maritime sector including oil and gas.”
Her Excellency Kløvstad also stated that our mutual identities as ocean nations should also provide possibilities for cooperation between Norway and Solomon Islands.
“In this regard we have started a dialogue with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), with its headquarters here in Honiara. Its director general, James Movick, recently visited Norway and had productive talks with the relevant government agencies,” she stated.
The Norwegian Ambassador further acknowledged links between Norway and Solomon Islands in the academic and research field making mention of Norwegian professor Edvard Hviding who is one of Norway’s foremost experts on the Pacific and has for many years lived in Solomon Islands to conduct extensive fieldwork, “in the world famous Marovo Lagoon.”
“People-to-people bonds like these always lie at the heart of any bilateral relationship,” continued Ambassador H.E. Kløvstad.
H.E. Kløvstad further commended Solomon Islands in its effort to sustaining peace and the commitment shown by Solomon Islands to the continuation of the peace and reconciliation agenda in the country post RAMSI.
“I assure you that I will work to further develop and strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries and I look forward to cooperating closely with the Government of Solomon Islands in this undertaking.”
In response the Governor General stated his acceptance for the Letter of Credence by which Her Excellency Kløvstad was appointed and accredited by His Majesty, King Harald V as a non-resident Ambassador extraordinary with full powers to represent Norway in Solomon Islands.
His Excellency Sir Kabui also conveyed well wishes to His Majesty, King Harald V. I and further wishes for peace and prosperity to the people of Norway.
The Governor General further acknowledges and expressed support towards the promotion of peace, security, welfare and sustainable development that Solomon Islands and Norway have in common.
In acknowledging Norway’s support towards the Sustainable Development Goals the Governor General stated,
“The implementation of the Global Sustainable Development Goals is a relevant issue as much as it is important. Your continued commitment to promoting this agenda is appreciated. We support you.”
“The issue of climate change is all important for all, including Solomon Islands. Your contribution to the Green Climate Fund is a step in the right direction. The Green Climate Fund is one of the contributing financiers for the Tina River Hydro Project in Solomon Islands. Rivers is a common feature of the environment in Solomon Islands. Hydro-power is a potential for us even now and in the future.”
The Governor General concluded by thanking Her Excellency Kløvstad for noting the efforts made in enhancing peace in the country.
“The journey is challenging but we hope to achieve lasting peace for the country,” he said.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAET) and other senior government officials.
