Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and the Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan have discussed a range of issues pertinent to stepping up the current level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The more than two hours bilateral saw the two leaders bringing to the fore discussions on renewable energy and its importance in the economic development, lowering cost of production, and ensuring electricity is accessible and affordable.
PM Hon. M. Sogavare and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
“The importance of further diversifying the economic basis of the two countries, increasing infrastructure development to enhance jobs and employment and expanding the agricultural sector to secure food security and resilience are among top agenda,” a government statement confirmed.
Honiara and Singapore further acknowledge the Asian model of economic development and the similarity that Solomon Islands share with Asian countries such as culture, food, traditional respect for governance and those in authority and being industrious.
“If we stick to these principles, the development of our countries will be rapid and steady,” both leaders agreed.
Solomon Islands and Singapore also agree to assist each other by sharing best practice experiences, education and capacity building.
Foreign Minister Vivian presenting a book to PM Sogavare
“Singapore is open to assisting Solomon Islands on capacity building and training on issues of priority to Solomon Islands such as Aviation, Public Service Management, Ports administration and management, Health, diplomacy, engineering, infrastructure, and others.”
Solomon Islands and Singapore also expressed the need to work in solidarity through other International bodies such as AOSIS and SIDS to ensure challenges affecting small countries such as climate change and oceans are addressed at the International level.
Solomon Islands lies at a strategic location in the pacific region and this location gives the country more potential and opportunity for economic trade and service delivery such as ports and aviation services.
In Singapore with Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare are government ministers, Hon. Ishmael Avui, Hon. Makario Tagini and Hon. Lilly Maefai.
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