PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare concluded his official trip to Vanuatu last week with a meeting with the Solomon Islands- Vanuatu Community in Port Vila.
Prime Minister Sogavare was in Port Vila for the 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Summit which concluded on Thursday.
Leader of the Solomon Islands Vanuatu Community Miltus Fomani Maliu expressed sincere acknowledgement and respect to Prime Minister for prioritising the meeting.
“We may not be physically home all these years but our interest and concerns on the affairs of our country remains at heart. This is a unique get together where Solomon Islanders living in Vanuatu get firsthand clarification on issues of national interest and determinants.”
Prime Minister Sogavare lauded the ‘trust and respect’ of Solomon Islanders living abroad as he articulated issues in relation to the development direction Solomon Islands advances.
Matters of dual citizenship, geopolitics, National General Election and Pacific Games preparation generated most interest.
“The National government appreciates the Solomon Islands community in Vanuatu for enhancing the stature of your country [Solomon Islands] abroad through hard work and dedication to the government, non-government and other sectors here,” the Prime Minister said.
About 100 Solomon Islands nurses are serving in Vanuatu.
The Prime Minister’s delegation includes Madam Emmy Sogavare, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele, Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and Deputy Secretary – Policy to Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Sogavare and his entourage are due back in Honiara today.
– PM’s Press Secretariat
