THIS week, the Prime Minister, Honorable Jeremiah Manele, MP, received a courtesy call from the newly appointed British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency (HE) Paul Turner.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the United Kingdom as one of the first countries to establish bilateral relations with the Solomon Islands after its independence in 1978.
Providing an overview of the host government’s priorities, the Prime Minister said his government’s priority is to grow the economy to create more job opportunities for the country’s rapidly growing population.
PM Manele emphasized that education and health remain key areas for further exploration under bilateral relations between the two countries.
He acknowledged the British government’s offering of scholarships, which continue to strengthen people-to-people relations.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the UK government for its support in developing the local media, particularly its assistance to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) for coverage of the 2023 Pacific Games.
PM Manele also acknowledged the UK government’s assistance to the Solomon Islands regarding its extended continental shelf submissions to the designated UN agency.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of climate change, acknowledging the UK’s ongoing support for Pacific Island countries both in the region and on international platforms.
Regarding trade, PM Manele expressed the need for more opportunities to be explored under bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also informed HE Paul Turner that the country will be hosting the 14.4 Ocean Sustainable Development Goal meeting at the end of this month. The meeting serves as a precursor to the Climate Change meeting in Paris, France, later this year.
PM Manele also expressed his government’s interest in hosting any high-level visits organized by the British Embassy.
The British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner, expressed his fascination with the smiling faces he has encountered since his arrival in the country.
HE Turner underscored his mission, which is to explore and expand bilateral relations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner is keen on exploring opportunities in the local cocoa industry and affirmed that one of his personal goals is to produce tangible outcomes in the sector during his tenure.
It has always been customary that after presenting their letter of introduction to the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, an ambassador-designate will proceed to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister to, among other things, introduce themselves and reaffirm matters related to bilateral and multilateral relations.
Source: PMO
