PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has lauded Australia’s contributions towards Solomon Islands development and upkeep of law and order.
Mr Sogavare made the remark during the occasion to mark Australia Day on Monday where he joined Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Byrne and other Australian citizens working or residing in Solomon Islands.
He said the relation between the two countries remains cordial and deeply rooted as Australia continues to have a formidable presence in the country.
The Prime Minister said an affirmation of Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands is the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and its success is an attest to Australia’s leadership.
“RAMSI is a success story because of the leadership provided to it by Australia,” Mr Sogavare said.
“In that regard, I want all Solomon Islanders to see how Australia has and continuous to contribute to our development and upkeep as a nation and to appreciate the assistance Australia has rendered given its global responsibility for our betterment and advancement”.
Mr Sogavare said Australia has become a great and powerful nation today because of the vision and the tremendous sacrifices that Australian leaders have invested in the past.
“It is timely in such occasion to remember them for their tireless efforts in invigorating and building Australia to where it is today”.
He also paid tribute to the contributions of many individual Australians to Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that many Australians have engaged in various business activities in Solomon Islands that over the years and have contributed meaningfully to the national economy.
He said his DCC-led government will continue to recognise the importance of peaceful coexistence with Australia as a regional and international partner to promote trade, economic and foreign relations.
