PRIME Minister Dr Derek Sikua has reiterated the country’s strong bilateral relation with Taiwan yesterday.
Solomon Islands entered into diplomatic ties with Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan on 23 May 1983.
Since then the Taiwanese Government remains a loyal friend to Solomon Islands providing development assistance in agriculture, health, education and others.
The latest is the new office complex for Members of Parliament to be built on the western side of the National Parliament.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony yesterday, Dr Sikua said: "This new building will stand as a gesture of everlasting testimony of friendship and goodwill that the Government and people of Solomon Islands shared with the Government and people of Taiwan."
He said this is yet another fine example of Taiwan extending a helping hand to its neighbours and friends assisting them in their development endeavours.
"In that regard, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government and the good people of Taiwan for their continuing support and assistance rendered towards the development endeavours of the Government and People of Solomon Islands over the years," he said.
"We are immensely indebted for the help that you continue to render to us in the various sectors, especially towards our efforts to develop our rural areas and ensure that our people have a better quality of life."
The new office complex will see MPs having access to new offices, conference rooms, a car parking area and other facilities.
Dr Sikua said the event marks another important step in the right direction for political development of this country more so good news for the Members of Parliament and their Constituencies.
"With the completion of this office complex Members of Parliament will certainly have a place where the needs of their constituencies can be properly considered, addressed and worked on effectively," he said.
"Further, constituents will be able to see their elected representatives in a place where it is especially appropriate and one where the environment is conducive.
"At present as we all know Government backbenchers and Ordinary Members of Parliament do not have such a place or offices and where discussions can be held and indeed this makes it rather difficult to address constituency matters as we all aspire to."
The prime minister said it is also anticipated that at the completion of this building Members of Parliament will fulfill their functions and roles through the provision of their own offices.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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