THE Government of New Zealand has pledged to continue to assist the Solomon Islands Government post RAMSI.
This was highlighted in a meeting between Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare and the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand Paula Bennett Friday last week.
Hon Bennett was in Honiara for the four-day RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) Farewell celebrations which concluded a day ahead of her meeting with Prime Minister Sogavare.
She told Prime Minister Sogavare that although RAMSI had completed its mandate and was leaving Solomon Islands, New Zealand remained committed to providing assistance to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
“A total of eight officers- three of whom were previously engaged in Solomon Islands under RAMSI and five new officers- will be part of a four- year (NZ Government funded) program to assist the RSIPF in the development of its Crime Prevention Strategy and they will be working closely with the RSIPF,” Hon Bennett explained.
The New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister also expressed the New Zealand Government’s commitment to engage with Solomon Islands youths, particularly in the areas of sports and culture.
She said the upgrade of the Multipurpose Hall and development of a new Futsal Court are some of the activities that the Government of New Zealand is embarking on in terms of youth engagement.
Hon Bennett also took the opportunity to reiterate her government’s commitment to the development of Solomon Islands tourism industry.
She informed the Prime Minister that the fencing phase of the Munda International Airport project has been completed and new fire trucks for the airport are consigned to Solomon Islands.
In addition to its assistance towards the Munda International Airport project, the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister said the New Zealand Government will be partnering with the Solomon Islands Government to upgrade the Seghe, Suavanao, Lata and Taro airports.
Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledged the strong and cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and New Zealand thanked Hon Bennett for her government’s commitment to continue assisting Solomon Islands after the departure of RAMSI.
He said the Solomon Islands Government and People will forever be grateful to the New Zealand Government and People for their unwavering support.
– PMO Media
