THE Supervising Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare has lauded the People’s Republic of China’s 75-year national journey as one of remarkable progress, resilience and unmatched achievement that has impacted positively on development at the global stage.
Sogavare was speaking at the joint celebration of China’s 75th anniversary of its founding and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China Solomon Islands diplomatic relations in Honiara on Friday, 27th September.
“It is a great honor that I stand here today to commemorate two significant milestones: First the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and second is the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands.
“On behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, your leadership and your people of China as you celebrate 75 years of remarkable progress, resilience and achievements.”
“China’s journey over the past 75 years has been extraordinary, characterized by rapid development, technological innovation and a commitment to improving the livelihood of its people.
Sogavare said the story of modern China has been one of transformation from a nation rebuilding in the wake of many challenges to an economic powerhouse and a global leader.
“China’s impact at the world stage is undeniable from its contributions to the global economy to its leadership in the international arena and initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the global development initiative, the global security initiative, the global civilization initiative and of course the five principles of peaceful co-existence and many others.
“China’s global leadership is simply exemplary. China has become a key player in shaping the global agenda.”
Sogavare said if the world has any sense at all, it should now admit that the current global order is not working because six years from now the global will report on how each one fares with the objectives of the United Nations 17 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
He said it is a sad affair that the world witnessed more wars and manmade disasters and rising poverty in the last 10 years, resulting in more than 85 percent of the goals either off-track or neglected.
Sogavare said the developed world is fighting wars to protect the global order and more people are left behind as a result.
“That is why with all due respect that I believe that China’s Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and the various global initiatives are needed more than ever if we are to make the most of the last remaining six years of the 2030 SDGs.
“China’s leadership just did not say it, they practice it. No one is big and no one is small as far as Xi Jinping is concerned.
“It is common knowledge and historical fact that over a period of 47 years of reform, ladies and gentlemen, China lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, resulting in more than 75 percent global poverty reduction.
“China has really eliminated absolute poverty in China. This remarkable achievement in poverty reduction is unmatched, unmatched by any country in the world and it clearly demonstrates China’s vision for development and its commitment to look after its people.
“President Xi Jinping sets China’s platform for sustainable development, which is shaping the world economy and these tremendous achievements serve as inspiration for many nations,” Sogavare said.
Turning to the Solomon Islands-bilateral front, Sogavare said over the last five years, Solomon Islands has strengthened its ties with China through several frameworks, including political affairs, economy, health, security, trade, education, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges.
“These frameworks are bringing tremendous benefits to both our countries,” he added.
Sogavare said China remains a comprehensive strategic partner of Solomon Islands and this partnership has diversified and deepening from state to state and increasing sub state relations as demonstrated by the signing of the MoUs and agreements between Fujian and Western Province and Shandong Province and Isabel Province.
“Our collaboration has been pivotal in helping to drive economic growth and development in Solomon Islands. Chinese investments and cooperation have contributed to key infrastructure projects and we have some of them, including the 2023 Pacific Games facilities, the modern SINU dormitories, the comprehensive medical center that is scheduled to be completed in January 2025, the upcoming Auki Road repair and tar-sealing project and the transfer of technology such as the 161 broadband towers that are still built as we are talking.
“These major infrastructure developments will help us to achieve our national development strategy goals and in turn, Solomon Islands provided China with opportunities to enhance its presence in the country and form deeper connections with the communities.
“Beyond the tangible achievements, the friendship between our two countries grows from strength to strength. Cultural exchanges and we will be witnessing some presentations today, music, education programs and shared experiences help to bridge the gap between our countries, promoting a deeper, deeper understanding on the mutual respect for each other’s histories, values and aspiration
“In this regard, I pay tribute to the new mode of training and capacity-building of the People’s Republic of China Government has introduced that our other partners need to consider introducing as well. This training is in addition to the normal scholarship-based undergraduate and post-graduate trainings.
“With this, I refer specifically to group trainings that the People’s Republic of China has implemented over the past years, in which large numbers of people from one or several ministries and private sector travel to China to attend workshops, training or meetings of a period between two to four weeks together.
“This type of training exposes large numbers of people for capacity-building activities. Not only do they build the capacity of our people but the opportunity also gives people great exposure to China, which also shifts their understanding and perception and enhances long-term people-to-people relations.
“As we look to the future, I am confident, I am confident that the partnership between Solomon Islands and China will continue to thrive and grow from strength-to-strength and our shared commitments to peace, security and prosperity and sustainable development will guide us as we work together to address regional and global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and global health challenges.
“Through continued cooperation, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that we will not only deepen our relationship but also contribute to achieving great things together and to this end, let me say the Solomon Islands Government’s unwavering, steadfast commitment to uphold the One-China principle.”
PM Manele did not attend the joint celebrations as he left for his back-on-back visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara