Prime Minister Lilo
accompanied Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr onboard a Australia
Royal Airforce flight directly to Canberra.
Mr Carr returned
yesterday after completing a two days visit in the country over the weekend.
Speaking at a press
conference before departing yesterday PM Lilo said he sees this visit a real
honour to be invited by the Australian government.
The trip was fully
funded by the Australian government which allows for a ten-member delegation.
The visit is the
first ever official visit to Australia by the Head of Government of Solomon
Islands in five years.
"I believe
this shows the confidence that Canberra has in the current government and its
leadership in managing the affairs of the people of Solomon Islands.
"I look forward to the bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Julia Gillard," he said.
“We will continue to maintain our strong and vibrant relationship with Australia and where possible we can add value to improve our partnership,” he said.
“I look forward to the bilateral talks with Prime Minister Gillard, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Tony Abott and other key ministers that are heavily engaged in the activities with our county and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands,” Mr Lilo said before departing yesterday.
PM Lilo said RAMSI's transition is one of the key issues to be discussed during the visit.
Some other areas issues included; Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for Development, Australia Seasonal Workers for Pacific Islands Countries and Trade issues just to name a few.
He also highlighted that the issue of visa process in the country is also another matter which will be highlighted to his counterpart.
During the five days visit he will have the privilege of visiting the Australian National University (ANU) where he once studied and will make a presentation of key and fundamental principles and strategies to manage an economy for steady and sustainable growth into the future.
He will also be part of a ceremony at the Canberra parliament.
The PM's delegation will also visit Townsville where most of the military activities of Australia are based.
Senator Bob Carr
said at the press conference said the Australian government is honoured to host
Prime Minister Lilo and his delegation during the visit.
He said the visit will allow both leaders to discuss further issues which affects Australia and Solomon Islands.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Lilo thanked the people of Solomon Islands for showing the trust and confidence in his leadership and the government which earned the respect of Australian Government by inviting him as their special guest.
Mr. Lilo and his delegation returns this Friday.
By Moffat Mamu
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