BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands is strengthening its bilateral ties with Indonesia.
According to a press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), Acting Prime Minister, Bradley Tovosia received a courtesy call last week from His Excellency Andriana Supandy, the non- resident ambassador of Indonesia at OPMC.
During the visit, Ambassador Supandy conveyed congratulations from the President of Indonesia to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for the successfully hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Moreover, as stated, he highlighted the growing friendship between the two countries saying that more Solomon Islanders are now pursuing studies in Indonesia, particularly in agriculture and technology, which remain areas of strength in Indonesia’s leading universities.
Ambassador Supandy encourages more Solomon Islanders to take advantage of the educational opportunities that are available in Indonesia.
He also outlined several areas of cooperation which include a scoping mission to explore new opportunities as well as the possibility of expanding the visa exemption arrangement to cover ordinary passport holders.
The press statement also mentioned that the ambassador extended an invitation to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to deliver a keynote address at the Indonesia Sustainability Forum in October this year.
Acting Prime Minister Tovosia in response, conveyed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation for Indonesia’s support which includes construction of the Friendship Hall a key venue during the 2023 Pacific Games and host to recent conferences and for Indonesia’s provision of uniforms for the recent 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting.
He further expressed interest in the two countries strengthening cooperation in the fisheries sector for tilapia farming and seaweed development and welcomes the prospect of Indonesian telecommunications companies investing in Solomon Islands.
Ambassador Supandy also informed the Acting Prime Minister that three Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) are currently under discussion for signing in the future and they cover education and health, policing and security, and women and youth empowerment.
Photo: OPMC
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
