TAIWAN’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou says they felt Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s statement does not reflect the complete picture of the Taiwan-Solomon Islands relations.
Ou was responding to comments Sogavare made in an interview with the Australian National University’s Little Red Podcast, whose contents were released this week.
The interview was conducted back in July.
In it, Sogavare was quoted as saying Taiwan “is completely useless to us” and suggested China could be a better diplomatic partner because it could stand up to Australia.
In a translated message sent to the Solomon Star from Taipei, Ou said their Embassy in Honiara is currently actively reaching out to Sogavare’s office for further conversation.
“Taiwan and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations since 1983 and both countries have very tight and good relations,” Ou said.
“Taiwan has provided tremendous support for the Solomon Islands over the past 36 year which benefited both sides,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office has issued a statement in response to Sogavare’s comments.
By ANDREW FANASIA
