PM brags of establishing ‘rare’ international relationship between Honiara and Jakarta, believes it will translate into tangible economic benefits in next few years
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says his visit to Indonesia has opened a new door of ‘rare’ international relationship between Honiara and Jakarta.
He said he believes this ‘rare’ international relationship will translate into much economic benefits for Solomon Islands in the next few years.
PM Manele was speaking at a press conference last Friday after his return from his trip to Indonesia for the inauguration of its new President Prabowo Subianto.
The PM said the benefits of this trip transpired from his bilateral meeting with the new President following his inauguration.
He said President Subianto ‘genuinely’ expressed gratitude to him for accepting the invitation to his (President Subianto’s) inauguration.
PM Manele said he thanked the President for Indonesia’s contribution towards Solomon Islands hosting of the 17th Pacific Games through its funding of the Friendship Hall and also the Poly Clinic at Burns Creek, which hopefully will be handed over to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church before the end of this year
The PM said in terms of ongoing issues relating to West Papua, his Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) believes the best way to address them is to work with Jakarta to ensure they address human rights violations and adopt strategies that will address issues such as land rights or access to land and resources.
“Like the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), GNUT respects Indonesia’s sovereignty and will continue to work with Indonesia on diplomatic solutions and through the United Nations processes that are already in existence,” he added.
He said as a Christian nation, Solomon Islands condemns all human rights violations where ever they happen, adding that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading United Nations agency or body to deal with human rights violations.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
