Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to Malaita

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

The Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with the people of Malaita Province to strengthen their friendship, enhance cooperation, and bring tangible benefits to both nations.

Speaking at a donation ceremony where the Chinese Embassy handed over materials to the people of Fataleka Constituency, Ambassador Weiming expressed optimism about the partnership.

The donation included one generator, two sewing machines, 40 radios, 40 portable power and solar panels, 200 solar lights, and 120 T-shirts and shorts.

Addressing the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fataleka Constituency, Rexon Ramofafia, and representatives from the constituency, Ambassador Weiming said the donations were intended to improve the daily lives of local communities.

He highlighted Malaita Province as a key focus of China-Solomon Islands cooperation, noting significant progress in recent years.

“Earlier this year, Jiangsu Province, under its friendly cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaita, donated livelihood materials worth more than SBD 1 million to the province. The Chinese medical team has visited Malaita three times, treating over 1,000 patients. Half of the 160 students awarded Chinese Government scholarships to study in China are from Malaita. Additionally, the Chinese design team recently arrived in Auki to prepare for the groundbreaking of the Auki Road Tar Sealing Project,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming acknowledged the strong support of the people of Malaita, which has made these achievements possible.

“These milestones will undoubtedly deliver tangible benefits to the people of Malaita Province,” he said, adding that future cooperation would expand into agriculture and education.

He emphasized confidence in the bright future of China-Solomon Islands relations, with the unwavering support of Malaita’s people.

“Guided by the principle of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, we are ready to work with the people of Malaita to consolidate our friendship, enhance our cooperation, and bring greater benefits to our peoples,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted China’s implementation of a zero-tariff policy on Solomon Islands products and the recently signed visa exemption agreement, which will foster closer ties between the two nations.

MP for Fataleka Constituency, Rexon Ramofafia, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the Chinese Embassy.

“On behalf of my constituency, we are deeply thankful for this donation. It will greatly benefit our people and help improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the materials would also support local schools and clinics. Ramofafia noted the broad support provided by China to various sectors in his constituency, including agriculture, forestry, and health.

“The continuous support towards our people is something I truly acknowledge and appreciate,” he said.

The MP emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration, particularly in anticipation of the Auki Road Tar Sealing Project.

“Going forward, we stand together and will continue to work with the People’s Republic of China to achieve mutual benefits,” he concluded.