NEWLY elected Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele vows to maintain the country’s foreign policy to work with all traditional partners and friends.
This declaration comes in response to assertions from international media portraying Manele as pro-China due to his victory in the Prime Ministerial vote by a margin of 31-18.
BBC reports that Manele is poised to succeed former PM Manasseh Sogavare, known for his critical stance towards Western nations.
Mr Manele was foreign minister in 2019, when the Solomons chose to switch its longstanding diplomatic recognition of Taiwan to China – a move that shocked regional neighbour.
Addressing the media in his inaugural press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet yesterday, Manele reiterated the government’s commitment to engagement with all partners, including China, without discrimination.
“But I guess fair attempt to this Prime Minister, we don’t discriminate but will work with all partners including China,” he said.
The Solomon Islands, since gaining independence in 1978, has fostered 129 diplomatic relationships.
However, the nation’s ties with China have sparked controversy, particularly following the signing of a security pact.
Western media speculates that this pact might pave the way for a Chinese military presence in the Solomon Islands.
Former Prime Minister Sogavare consistently maintained Australia as the country’s preferred security partner despite the bilateral agreement with Beijing. Notably, Chinese police trainers are currently stationed in Honiara under the terms of the security deal.
Meg Keen, director of the Pacific Islands program at the Lowy Institute, described Manele as a leader who will likely adopt a less confrontational approach towards the West while continuing to nurture relations with China.
Keen acknowledged Manele’s role in brokering the security agreement with China and highlighted his extensive diplomatic experience, both at the UN and in Western nations.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
