The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has announced the upcoming visit of Dr. David Lee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to Honiara.
The tour will be from the 20th to the 23rd of June, a statement from ROC said.
Dr. Lee’s visit, under the invitation of his counterpart Hon. Milner Tozaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, is part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen its cordial ties with Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic relations in 1983. The two nations have maintained close and cordial ties ever since.
Taiwan has been one of the major donors supporting Solomon Islands in various fields, including medical services, agricultural technology, education, solar energy and rural development.
Solomon Islands, as one of Taiwan’s closest allies in the Pacific, has supported Taiwan’s bid to broaden its participation in the global community, including special agencies in the United Nations such as WHA, ICAO and UNFCCC.
Two SI delegations respectively led by Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga and Hon. Peter Shanel visited Taiwan earlier this year which resulted in the signing of the MOU on Meteorological Cooperation and the Agreement of Air Services between the two nations.
Dr. Lee’s visit is a subsequent move from Taiwan to further consolidate Taiwan’s friendship with Solomon Islands.
Dr. David Lee is expected to meet with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Milner Tozaka.
He will also pay a courtesy call on Hon. Ajilon Nasiu, Speaker of the National Parliament. He looks forward to exchanging views with SI officials on matters of their mutual concerns.
Dr. Lee is a veteran diplomat who’s been serving in Taiwan’s Foreign Service more than 30 years. He has held several key positions during his career both domestically and abroad, including Heads of Taiwan’s Missions in the United States, European Union, Canada and Australia.
He earned a Ph. D in Foreign Affairs from University of Virginia, USA, and taught at National Taiwan University, one of the most prestigious universities in Taiwan.
He will be accompanied by Madam Lee and 5 senior officials from Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Wen-Yi Chen, Director General of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
