THE Western provincial government (WPG) has welcomed the government’s decision to switch allegiance to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), describing the latest diplomatic change as historic.
In a statement issued through the Western Provincial Government communication unit in Gizo on Tuesday afternoon, Western Premier David Gina said the switch is a way forward in terms of international trade under this new bilateral relations which is now successful after nearly forty years.
He said China should be a good trading partner in terms of raw materials available in Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands must start to see all sides of the friendship such through trade, culture, tourism, education and technology as well in sports,” he said.
He said all these must remain the cornerstone of such friendship like the kind of relations already established with other country.
“We have been exporting our round logs to China for many years which has been the country’s economy revenue earner.
“We have been with China for many years and our logs as raw materials go there every now and then,’’ he said.
Premier Gina added that Solomon Islands must therefore stand ready to carry out economic activities with China and that China must be willing to assist the Solomon Islands and make itself as a mature partner when it comes to its economy.
“The new diplomatic friendship must be seen in a positive way as it could assist the country’s democratic institution better and stronger.
“This is a feature many countries that already have diplomatic ties have benefited from,’’ Premier Gina said.
He congratulated the Government of China and also the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement on announcement of the new Diplomatic Relations with the China.
Premier Gina also commended all Western leaders for their very strong stand in advocating the change for almost four decade.
