BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Malaita has expressed its interest to increase ‘collaboration’ with the United States, it is reported.

This was conveyed to Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy William Furnish when he paid a visit to Auki on May 19-20 to meet with friends and partners and to make new connections in Malaita, a statement from the embassy yesterday said.

During his trip, Mr Furnish met with the Premier Elijah Asilaua, Provincial Secretary Eric George, Malaita’s Department of Education, Auki Provincial Police Commander Tex Tafoa and the Malaita Youth Hub, the statement said. 

Furnish said that he was pleased to hear of Malaita’s interest in increased collaboration with the United States and American companies and partners, the statement said.

The Embassy also presented information on emergency services and resources for American citizens and tourists during the meeting with Police Commander Tafoa and heard about current trends in Malaita.

The Malaita Youth Hub explained that their engagement with students and young people and embassy representatives gave them information about US exchange programmes for secondary school students, university students and faculty, the statement said.

Furnish encouraged Malaitan friends and partners to speak with young people about opportunities to take part in US-sponsored programmes in the United States and throughout the Pacific.

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