Mr Shanel was speaking at a dinner at the New Zealand High Commissioner's residence on Monday to welcome the visiting New Zealand Foreign affairs Minister Murray McCully.
He said the relationship has flourished through Christianity and the two countries remain tied.
"New Zealand continues to be one of the important development partners of Solomon Islands."
He said the assistances received from New Zealand over the years are remarkable and have contributed significantly to many sectors of the Solomon Islands society such as in the education sector, fisheries and infrastructure.
Mr Shanel said the new fisheries Ministry complex along the Kukum highway signified New Zealand’s support towards improving the fisheries' capability to conserve and manage the fisheries resources.
"I' am grateful that the program will later include measures to enhance the MInistry's capacity to identify and facilitate greater opportunities and increased livelihoods for rural fishers."
He expressed gratitude to his New Zealand counterpart for the continuing support and that of NZ through RAMSI.
Mr Shanel added that the issues on climate change and renewable energy, security, fisheries, support to people with disabilities among other things, are important undertakings that are eminent and require greater cooperation and commitment by the two countries.
The New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully arrived in the country on Monday with a cross party delegation and aid advisory committee as part of his Pacific mission tour.
Mr McCully held a brief discussion with Prime Minister Danny Philip to reaffirm his government's support for the new government.
Mr McCully was the first high-level government dignitary to visit her after the formation of the new government.
By EDNAL PALMER
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