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Reuters
SYDNEY — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manaseh Sogavale did not attend a weekend morning service for a critical World War II battle hosted by the United States. Local media reported it as a "snub".
Sogavare was scheduled to deliver a speech on Sunday at a memorial service attended by his Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and ministers and officials from Japan, Australia and New Zealand, according to Solo Monster news. he didn't. can not be displayed.
Sherman later told a press conference that he regretted that the prime minister had missed a golden opportunity to forge a new partnership between the United States and the Solomon Islands, said Solomon Starr. News reported on Monday.
The Sogavare office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Prime Minister Sherman met with Sogavare later on Sunday to discuss US aid plans, a statement from the prime minister's office said Monday.
At Monday's ceremony, Sherman praised the role of Solomon Islanders in helping the United States in World War II.
A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in the Solomon Islands said Reuters A Japanese navy sailor was stabbed while on duty at Bloody Ridge on Monday, according to communications.
The motive for the attack is unclear, the spokesman added.
Solomon Star News reported that a local man had been detained in the attack.
The Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China this year, sparking concern from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and neighboring Pacific islands.Honiara and Beijing said the pact would allow military bases. denies doing so. (Reporting by her Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Lucy Craymer in Wellington; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
