Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka has held talks with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs as part of expanding Solomon Islands (SI) and Indonesia bilateral cooperation by exploring new opportunities.
During the dialogue, Solomon Islands has registered its interest to broaden its partnership and bilateral cooperation with Indonesia in new areas.
Head of the Solomon Islands delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly Minister Agovaka and Her Excellency Mrs. Retno L.P Marsudi Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia met in New York this week and discussed ongoing partnerships and new opportunities of mutual benefit.
Minister Agovaka registered the country’s interest to engage in new areas, including facilitation of an air services agreement during a bilateral meeting with Minister Marsudi.
SI Foreign Minister expressed, Solomon Islands hopes to improve direct connectivity with Indonesia and more people to people exchange with the proposed Air Service Agreement.
Both leaders also discussed proposed MoUs on women empowerment and child protection.
Other areas covered during the bilateral meeting included reciprocal Visa waiver for ordinary passport holders, cattle and oil palm sector, cooperation in education and culture, people to people exchange, trade, policing cooperation, sports and climate change.
Minister Agovaka acknowledged Indonesia’s funding assistance towards the multi- million-dollar Friendship Hall which has contributed immensely to Solomon Islands ability to host international sporting events and has greatly improved the face of Honiara city.
Solomon Islands relations with Indonesia is managed by the Embassy of Solomon Islands based in Jakarta.
- MFAET
