Interview: "Establishing diplomatic relations with China is one of the most important decisions we have made since our independence 45 years ago" Interview with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare Decision | Prime Minister | Solomon Islands
"Establishing diplomatic relations with China is one of the most important decisions we have made since our independence 45 years ago" - Interview with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare
Xinhua News Agency reporter Hao Yalin and Yang Yunqi
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Menasi Sogavare recently stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters in the capital city of Honiara that establishing diplomatic relations with China is one of the most important decisions in the country's 45 years of independence. China is a sincere friend of Solomon Islands, and Solomon Islands will firmly adhere to the One China policy, expand bilateral cooperation areas, and push bilateral relations to a new level.
Sogavare will make an official visit to China from the 9th to the 15th. This is also his second official visit to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in September 2019.
Sogavare said that he hopes that both sides can strengthen exchanges at all levels and deepen cooperation in areas such as economy, technology, sustainable development, and education. The Solomon Islands have abundant tourism, fishing, and agricultural resources, and we also hope to have more Solomon Islands products enter the Chinese market.
"I believe this visit will achieve positive results. I also hope that this visit can further deepen the relations between the two sides. We should work hand in hand and move forward together on issues of common interest," he said.
Sogavare reiterated that the Solomon Islands will firmly adhere to the One China policy, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. On the issue of developing relations with China, a few countries are gossiping, but their remarks cannot prevent the Solomon Islands from deepening friendship with China.
"The Solomon Islands are a sovereign country, and it is our own responsibility to establish diplomatic relations and cooperate with whom. Establishing diplomatic relations with China is one of the most important decisions we have made in the 45 years since our independence," Sogavare said. "We are a developing country, and development is in our interests. China has kept its promise and done well."
He stated that China is cooperating with multiple South Pacific island countries, including the Solomon Islands, in various fields, which involves climate change issues that island countries are most concerned about. China has not only made a statement, but also taken practical actions to address the issue of climate change. "We believe that the South Pacific region should not be a venue for major powers' game. The major powers here should cooperate with each other and help us develop together. This is also what China is doing. China plays an important role in this region, and no country will deny this."
Sogavare highly praised the cooperation between the two countries in the field of development, and he specifically talked about the 2023 Pacific Games Sports Stadium built with China's assistance. The Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games, a major sporting event, at the end of this year. The sports stadium built with China's assistance will be the main stadium for the sports games, where the vast majority of events will be held.
"When we obtained the hosting rights, other countries did not believe us. It was China who came forward to help us. This is the first time that the Solomon Islands have hosted this event, which is important to us. We have experienced war, and hosting this event is not only an investment in sports, but also an investment in national peace and stability. China's help to us touches the hearts of every Solomon Islands person and will further enhance the relationship between the people of the two countries," said Sogavare.