SOLOMON Islands Government through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination is working with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on a five-year development cooperation framework.
This was announced by Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele at a press conference prior departure to Jakarta onFriday for the inauguration of Indonesia’s new President and new Vice President.
PM Manele and other Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders were invited by Jakarta for the inauguration held on Sunday.
PM Manele told the press conference that some of the areas to be covered under this framework are agriculture, fisheries and maritime.
He said other areas can be included under the scope of this framework when the need arises.
The PM said Honiara and Jakarta are also discussing an air service agreement to expand air connectivity between their two countries, while draft Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on education and policing have been worked on and are now ready to be signed.
He said the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development and the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services will be travelling to Indonesia to sign these frameworks and it will be most likely in early 2025.
PM Manele said he appreciates Indonesia as an increasingly important bilaterial partner of Solomon Islands, which also funded the Friendship Hall and the Burns Creek Clinic that is about to be completed.
He said Solomon Islands and Indonesia also have a bilaterial visa-waiver agreement in place for diplomatic and official passport holders.
The PM said over the years, Indonesia also provided scholarships for Solomon Islands students and moreover, Solomon Islands has an embassy in Jakarta.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
