The Chinese Police Liaison Team (CPLT) 5 has completed its tenure, and this week the team paid the final courtesy call to the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

During the visit, CPLT 5’s outgoing Commissioner Zhao Jinyong expressed appreciation for the warm reception his team received across the country.

Commissioner Zhao also acknowledged the government for its tireless efforts in advancing the bilateral relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to achieve comprehensive strategic status.

Commissioner Zhao added that the CPLT is an integral part of the strengthened bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the CPLT team 5 for contributing to the overall development of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

PM Manele noted that the Solomon Islands is an archipelago of scattered islands separated by sea, making close collaboration with development partners essential in areas of mutual interest. He acknowledged that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been a significant partner in supporting the country’s security sector.

The Prime Minister further expressed that the government will continue to work closely with the PRC Embassy to implement the various Memoranda of Understanding signed between the two countries. PM Manele noted that one of these MOUs involves police cooperation.

Prime Minister Manele reiterated that Solomon Islands will continue to uphold and respect the territorial rights of both countries, adding that the government recognizes, respects, and upholds the One China Principle.

The China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) 5 has been in the country for a year, assisting the RSIPF in various areas of policing. The CPLT 5 is headed by Commissioner Zhao Jinyong and Deputy Commissioner Professor Zhang Bing.

CPLT 6 will continue to provide guidance to the RSIPF and is led by Commissioner Liu Shenghuang, who was introduced to the Prime Minister during the courtesy call.