THE Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming has assured that China will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands within its capacity and to seek development through win-win cooperation based on the vision of President Xi Jinping for the building of a community with shared future.
Ambassador Cai Weiming made the assurance in a brief ceremony to hand over livelihood items to the Marovo Constituency of Western Province on Wednesday.
The livelihood items donated by the Chinese Embassy included one generator, four sewing machines, 20 radios, 20 portable power and solar panels, 72 solar camping lights and 80 t-shirts.
They were received by the Member of Parliament for Marovo, Chachabule Rebi Amoi, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) John Clifton Pikacha and constituency reps.
Further to expressing hope that the gifts would help improve the daily lives of the recipients, an impassioned Ambassador Cai emphasised that “under the guidance of building a community with shared future proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to help Solomon Islands and to seek common development through win-win cooperation.”
He said ‘China is a true friend and sincere partner of Solomon Islands’ and China believes that with the support of the people of Western Province, there will be a better future for the China-Solomon Islands bilaterial relations.
The Chinese envoy said the Western Province has been at the forefront of the sub-regional cooperation between China and Solomon Islands, adding that this year Fujian Province and the Western Province have signed an agreement for the establishment of ‘friendship province relationship.’
He said, “this [framework] will surely pave the way for more people-to-people exchanges and deeper cooperation between the two provinces.”
Elaborating on the benefits of the China-Solomon Islands bilaterial relations, Ambassador Cai said this relationship has brought tangible benefits to Solomon Islands, including the people of Western Province.
He said this month, China’s zero tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for Solomon Islands takes effect, making it easier for Chinese to enjoy more quality goods from Solomon Islands, including from the Western Province.
Furthermore, Ambassador Cai said the visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport-holders of China and Solomon Islands recently signed will take effect on 28 December.
With the activation of this agreement, he expressed optimism that more Chinese tourists will visit the ‘beautiful’ Western Province.
Ambassador Cai also took the opportunity to highlight the opening of the 2025 Chinese Government scholarships to Solomon Islands public and told MP Amoi and his constituency delegation that more students from the constituency are welcomed to apply.
Speaking on behalf of MP Amoi, CDO Pikacha described the handover as another milestone in the friendship between the government and people of China and the government and people of Solomon Islands.
Mr Pikacha said since the establishment of the China-Solomon Islands bilaterial relations, China has assisted Solomon Islands in many different ways based on the different geographical needs of Solomon Islands communities.
“As we look back at what China did for Solomon Islands, there were so many things that the Chinese Government did for Solomon Islands and we deeply appreciate that.
“Marovo Constituency has enjoyed your government’s assistance since the establishment of diplomatic relations,” the CDO told Ambassador Cai and his officials.
“Just to mention a few, during the last term, you have assisted Marovo Constituency with our fishing project that involved the establishment of the Marovo Market House at Gasini, which the [former] Ambassador officiated its opening and unveiled the commemorative plaque, a reminder of the friendship between the people of Marovo and the people of China.
“Today, we again witness the continuous support rendered to our people by your government and people and for that, we are very grateful.
“On behalf of the Honourable Member of Marovo Constituency and the people of Marovo Constituency, I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely express our thanks to your government and people. Please do convey to them our heartfelt appreciation,” Mr Pikacha added.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
