Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador, His Excellency Sultan Fahad Khuzaim used this week’s bilateral meeting in Honiara to further brace Solomon Islands- Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic ties and build on current partnerships, progress, strengthen and convene discussions on new areas and matters of mutual interests.
Prime Minister Sogavare reconfirmed to His Excellency Sultan Fahad Khuzaim, Solomon Islands’ support for Saudi Arabia’s candidature to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister conveyed deep gratitude to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment towards the Pacific Games and other development priorities, and hope that through this visit, understanding is established on projects to be supported and the modalities on how the assistance will be channelled.
“By supporting the Pacific Games, Saudi Arabia Government is promoting Pacific regional unity, and nation building process in Solomon Islands,” stated Prime Minister Sogavare.
In line with the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement policy, Solomon Islands and Saudi Arabia discussed a ‘Framework for Cooperation’ to cover Key SIG priority areas- infrastructural development, tourism, social sector development, health and medical services, and education and human resource development.
Prime Minister Sogavare assured His Excellency Sultan, Solomon Islands note the requests by the Saudi Arabian Government for Solomon Islands to support their candidacies to the Executive Council of UNESCO (2023-2027) and ICAO (2024 – 2025) and will consider the candidacies.
Prime Minister Sogavare also warmly welcomed and accepted his invitation to visit Saudi Arabia later this year.
GCU