Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Indonesia, His Excellency (H.E) Salana Kalu, received the Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele on Saturday evening, 19th October 2024, after his (PM) safe arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Prime Minister was invited to Jakarta as a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to witness the inauguration of Indonesia’s new president, His Excellency, Prabowo Subianto.
The inauguration earlier took place on Sunday, 20th October 2024, at the parliamentary complex of Indonesia’s parliament.
The ceremony was strict on attendance, only the VIP plus one are permitted to enter the actual inauguration.
After the inauguration ceremony, the new president hosted a dinner for his VIP guests at the presidential palace.
Indonesia is an important bilateral partner for Solomon Islands. It funded and built the Friendship Hall for the 2023 Pacific Games and the Burns Creek Clinic which is about to be completed.
Solomon Islands and Indonesia have a bilateral VISA waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports. This successful agreement serves as a precursor for expansion to other areas of mutual interests.
Air Services Agreement between the two countries is another potential currently being explored.
Solomon Islands and Indonesia also have draft MOUs ready for signing, one on cooperation in education, and the other on cooperation on policing.
Indonesia is an Observer in the MSG. It is a member of the ASEAN, and both Indonesia and Solomon Islands are members of the Asian Group and Group of 77 and China at the UN in New York.
Both countries are also members of the Coral Triangle initiative.
- OPMC
