TAIWAN and Solomon Islands will always be friends, deputy prime minister Douglas Ete says.
He was speaking at a function on Monday night to welcome the visiting Taiwanese Naval Squadron.
“Solomon Islands and Taiwan have a long lasting relationship which was created in 1983 and this year the bilateral relationship between the two countries has now entered its 32 years of partnership and has not yet shown a sign of deterioration,” Mr Ete said.
“As long as Solomon Islands lives as a country we will always be good friend with Taiwan forever,” Mr Ete added.
He said Taiwan is a true friend of Solomon Islands and the relationship between the two countries should be maintained as always.
“Taiwan has helped Solomon Islands in so many ways and areas through education, health and partnership and it is something that the people of Solomon Islands want to see it continued in the years to come.
“We have over time built this relationship between the two countries and today our relationship has even growing stronger than ever,” Mr Ete said.
He added over the years Solomon Islands has learned so much from Taiwan and its cultural diversity where he hope one day Solomon Islanders would also have chances to go to Taiwan and showcase the country’s unique culture to the people of Taiwan.
By BIRIAU W. SAENI