FOREIGN Affairs minister Jeremiah Manele has refuted claims by the Opposition leader that the Prime Minister has ordered him not to meet with the Taiwanese delegation on Monday.
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale in a media statement on Wednesday has claimed that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has advised Manele not to meet with the visiting Taiwanese delegation upon arrival in Honiara.
“This claim is not true. Caucus and Cabinet met on that day so I was not able to meet with the delegation upon arrival,” Manele said.
“In fact, I sent an apology through my permanent secretary who went and met with the visiting delegation on my behalf,” he added.
The minister said normal protocol procedures were accorded to the visiting Taiwanese delegation during their arrival.