PM’s overseas fence mending tour appropriate – DPM

PRESS RELEASE

PM’s overseas fence mending tour appropriate – DPM

The Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Government values highly Solomon Islands’ diplomatic relations with its bigger neighbors, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono says because of the value the government attaches to its diplomatic relations with the three Forum member countries, it had decided Prime Minister Derek Sikua paid visits to their heads of governments to forge better understanding with them.

In Port Moresby, Dr Sikua used the opportunity to apologize to his counterpart, Sir Michael Somare for Solomon Islands absence from last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Tonga, which the Grand Chief chaired.

And Mr Fono says both Melanesian leaders discussed PNG’s boosting commercial investment in Solomon Islands and continuing assistance in providing higher and university training for its students.

Mr Fono says these while responding to a statement by the Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare who had described the visit as ill conceived and hasty, and Dr Sikua’s apology to his PNG counterpart, Sir Michael Somare as unwarranted.

Mr Sogavare had also claimed there is nothing wrong with the diplomatic relations between Port Moresby, Canberra and Honiara.

But Mr Fono describes Mr Sogavare’s claims as nothing but a cover-up for the damage he had done to Solomon Islands good and cordial diplomatic relations with PNG and Australia.

Acting Prime Minister Fono asks if there is nothing wrong with the diplomatic relations between Honiara and Canberra, why is it Solomon Islands has lost out in having a technical school being established under the Australia-sponsored Pacific Plan?

He says other Forum countries have established their technical schools under the Pacific Plan.

And Mr Fono adds because of the Sogavare Government’s poor foreign policy and attitude, Solomon Islands nearly lost its good image to the regional governments and multilateral organizations.

ENDS

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