President Tsai Ing-wen said May 21 that she will continue working with Prime Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela to promote mutually beneficial collaboration and exchanges between Taiwan and Solomon Islands.
The two countries are staunch diplomatic allies, Tsai said. It is hoped both sides will further bolster bilateral exchanges so as to advance the well-being and prosperity of the people, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving Houenipwela and his 14-member delegation at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Earlier the same day, she accompanied the PM—making his first visit to Taiwan since taking office last November—as he inspected a military honor guard outside the Presidential Office Building.
According to Tsai, Taiwan-Solomon Islands cooperation has steadily grown since Houenipwela’s swearing-in, citing the government-backed scholarship program offering more youths from the Pacific island nation the opportunity of pursuing advanced study in Taiwan.
Other examples include a training program for catering and culinary professionals and an apiculture project, both set to commence in July, as well as joint initiatives in training medical professionals and advancing meteorological research, she said.
Tsai also extended her appreciation to Houenipwela on behalf of the government and people for backing Taiwan’s international participation during the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change last November in the German city of Bonn and the 71st World Health Assembly May 21-26 in Geneva.
In response, Houenipwela said close collaboration spanning a broad spectrum of areas is strengthening the bilateral relationship, with more than 85 percent of his people having benefited from assistance provided by Taiwan.
The Solomon Islands remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHA and other international organizations and activities aimed at combating climate change, crime and poverty, as well as promoting education collaboration and medical services, he added.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Solomon Islands established official relations in 1983. The nations maintain friendly ties and conduct cooperation projects involving agriculture, clean energy, medical care and talent cultivation. (SFC-E)
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