Bilateral talks between Solomon Islands Prime Minister (PM) and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCullywas successfully held on Thursday.
Speaking during a press conference held after the meeting PM Sogavare thanked everyone who turned up for the high level talk, while warmly welcoming the presence of the New Zealand delegation into the country.
Sogavare reiterated on the historical friendship of both countries, which has been in existence for 37 years now since Solomon Islands gained independence.
He stated, this cordial relationship has contributed a lot to development of Solomon Islands and they believe this friendship will grow strong, as the government is planning to set up a High Commission office in Wellington (NZ).
Sogavare admitted that the meeting was fruitful as it covers a wider range of development aspects in the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile McCully thanked the PM and the people of Solomon Islands for their support towards NZ’s commitment to develop the country.
McCully added it is an opportunity to see transformation in development since Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is slowly exiting.
The Foreign Minister concluded that they are putting in agendas to focus on the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum meeting, which they believe multilateral areas for development in the region would be addressed.
The forum meeting will be held next month in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
By AATAI JOHN
