BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Charge d’affaires of PRC embassy office in Honiara, Ding Yonghua said yesterday preparation is underway for the establishment of the milestone relationship.
Yonghua said, “I understand that premier Pongi will lead a delegation to visit Hainan to formally sign the MOU to establish friendly provincial relations with Hainan.
“This trip will be a milestone in the relationship between the two provinces, not only in enhancing the friendship and understanding between the two sides.
“But, also in laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, fisheries, education and people to people exchanges.
“As two island provinces, we believe that Hainan and Renbel have the potential to set a good example for sub-national relations between China and Solomon Islands.
“Let us continue to work together to make this happen,” he said.
Deputy Provincial Secretary of Rennell Bellona province, Mr Aubrey Saueha acknowledged the national government and the Chinese Embassy for efforts behind the undertaking.
He said the idea to forge subnational relationship with foreign province was passed by the previous governments. It was a long-time pursuit of the province.
Saueha noted, the people and government of Rennell Bellona province are looking forward to this historic achievement.
He added that premier Pongi will lead a delegation to Hainan soon to officially sign the MOU for the establishment of the sister-relationship.
Saueha said like other provinces that have similar sub-national relationships, the sister relation will support Rennell Bellona in its economic development.
According to the Deputy PS, key areas under the MOU are yet to be known, but will focus mainly on areas like fisheries, education, agriculture and other exchange programmes.
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