Governor-General, His Excellency Reverend Sir David Tiva Kapu, received Letters of Credence from the representatives of the Kingdom of Sweden and Malaysia to Solomon Islands on Tuesday morning.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, Her Excellency Marina Berg and High Commissioner of Malaysia, His Excellency Hamizan Hashim presented their credentials in separate ceremonies at Government House.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the commencement of their diplomatic accreditation to Solomon Islands.
In receiving Her Excellency Marina Berg, the Governor-General accepted the Letter of Credence from His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, accrediting her as Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Solomon Islands.
The Governor-General acknowledged Sweden’s leadership in environmental sustainability, climate action, and gender equality.
He highlighted the pressing challenges facing Oceania, particularly climate change, stating that “championing global climate justice is necessary for the survival of our cultures and the sovereignty of our islands.”
He commended Sweden’s commitment to resilience, adaptation, sustainable ocean management, and responsible environmental stewardship, noting its importance to the well-being of the Pacific region.
H.E Sir Tiva Kapu also recognized Sweden’s leadership in gender equality and expressed interest in collaboration to empower women economically, acknowledging their crucial role as resource owners and drivers of the Solomon Islands’ economy.
He further reiterated that climate change remains an existential threat to Pacific Island countries, underscoring the need for global climate justice, resilience-building, and sustainable ocean management.
The Governor General highlighted Solomon Islands’ development priorities, including economic diversification, infrastructure development, digital transformation, decentralization of services to rural communities, and strengthening governance and stability.
In a separate ceremony, the High Commissioner of Malaysia His Excellency Hamizan Hashim also presented his letter of credence.
The Governor General expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Solomon Islands and Malaysia and noted significant opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, education and human resource development, fisheries, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, technical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
He said as members of the Coral Triangle Initiative, both countries share a commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable ocean governance.
His Excellency welcomed continued collaboration in multilateral forums on issues affecting developing and small island states, including climate change and sustainable development.
The Governor-General expressed confidence that the tenure of both diplomats will further strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared development goals.
–MFAET PRESS
