THE country’s Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is desirous of a robust relationship between Solomon Islands and the Republic of Georgia.
This was articulated when the Georgian Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Vladimir Konstantinidi paid a courtesy call to Mr Sogavare on Tuesday.
The Canberra-based envoy is currently in the country to explore further areas for technical cooperation with Georgia and to get feedback on a first batch of computers donated by his government for rural schools in Solomon Islands in preparation for a second consignment.
Mr Sogavare while receiving the emissary said, Solomon Islands has benefitted tremendously from its four year old relationship with Georgia and this bond should continue to be strengthened through enriched technical cooperation.
Through this bilateral relationship Georgia has offered financial assistance towards the payment of the allowances of Solomon Islands students studying in Cuba in 2012 and donation 1,000 computers for schools in rural Solomon Islands in 2014.
The Prime Minister said the first budget of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government designed to make a positive difference in the lives of Solomon Islanders was recently passed by Parliament and is now in the delivery phase.
“DCCG sees it crucial that the private sector be strengthened to drive economic growth and to achieve this objective, it is now working on a draft legislation for the introduction of a free economic zones in various locations across the country.”
He said Solomon Islands has a great investment potential especially in fisheries and tourism and to date a good number of foreign investors have indicated their interest to invest in the country.
Ambassador Konstantinidi in responses thanked Mr Sogavare for receiving him and acknowledging Georgia’s diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands and current technical cooperation assistance which is focussed on education.
He assured the Prime Minister that his country will look into other areas for technical cooperation.
The ambassador said the contact point for the Republic of Georgia with the Pacific is its embassy in Canberra, Australia and Georgia’s relationship with Solomon Islands is a good start to a greater pacific network.
The emissary said Georgia has enjoyed Solomon Islands support at the United Nations in 2014 and looks forward for the same gesture in 2015.
Ambassador Konstantinidi wished Prime Minister Sogavare and his Government every success during their term of leadership over Solomon Islands and conveyed his government’s warmest greetings to the people of Solomon Islands.
– PM Press Secretariat