PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has farewelled the outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands H.E Georgina Roberts.
Her Excellency Roberts paid a farewell visit to the Prime Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands thanked the outgoing New Zealand high commissioner for her service and contributions to the country.
Prime Minister Sogavare said New Zealand has and will always be a true friend.
He said relationship between the two countries dated way back even before independence.
“We are what we are and where we are because of our friends like New Zealand and many others,” the Prime Minister said.
The outgoing high commissioner said it has been a very wonderful and fruitful two years in the Solomon Islands.
The New Zealand high commissioner said it has been a privilege contributing to the development of Solomon Islands in various sectors.
Ms Roberts also thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in keeping COVID-19 from community transmission in the country.
“My term in Solomon Islands has been marked by COVID-19-its impact and our endeavors to support the Government and people of Solomon Islands to respond to the challenges COVID has brought. Outside of COVID-19, my travels to the provinces have been deeply rewarding and offered me rich opportunities to engage with communities, people, local issues and culture first hand,” she said.
High commissioner Roberts said Solomon Island’s greatest resource and strength is its people.
She said she will surely miss the smiles and friendliness of the people here.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the success stories of COVID-19 in Solomon Islands is a result of the partnership with development partners like New Zealand.
Prime Minister Sogavare said COVID-19 has proved that the global community can work together to combat a common enemy.
The Prime Minister when farewelling high commissioner Roberts also wished her well in her next appointment.
High commissioner Roberts returned to New Zealand on Wednesday night this week.
