Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele is in Indonesia to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabowo Subianto and the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Indonesia has invited all Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders including PM Manele to the ceremony which is scheduled to happen this Sunday 20th October 2024.
Prime Minister Manele confirms through a media conference on Thursday afternoon, he has accepted the invitation and left the country on Friday 18th October.
The Prime Minister underscored, Indonesia is an increasingly important bilateral partner for Solomon Islands, “funded and built the Friendship Hall for the 2023 Pacific Games and the Burns Creek Clinic which is about to be completed.
“Over the years it has also provided scholarships to our students. We have an Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.”
PM Manele further stated, Solomon Islands have a bilateral VISA waiver agreement with Indonesia for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Solomon Islands and Indonesia are working on a five-year development cooperation framework on sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education and training, maritime/shipping transport.
Discussions are also ongoing on Air Services Agreement between Solomon Islands and Indonesia to expand connectivity between the two countries, Prime Minister Manele stated.
“We have draft MOUs ready for signing, one on cooperation in Education, and the other on cooperation on Policing.”
In terms of regional and international relations, Indonesia is an observer in the Melanesian Spearhead Group. It is also a member of the ASEAN Group.
Indonesia and Solomon Islands are members of the Asian Group and Group of 77 and China at the United Nations. Both countries are also members of the Coral Triangle initiative.
He returns on 23rd October.
- OPMC
