In a significant move to bolster international relations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele met in Beijing on Thursday to agree on advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Premier Li emphasized China's commitment to promoting sustainable development alongside Pacific island nations, including the Solomon Islands. \"We aim to build a closer China-Pacific island community with a shared future,\" he stated.
Reflecting on the five-year journey since establishing diplomatic ties, Li highlighted the robust growth in China-Solomon Islands relations, marked by deepening political trust and fruitful cooperation across various sectors. This partnership stands as a model of South-South cooperation.
\"China supports the Solomon Islands in independently pursuing a development path that aligns with their national conditions,\" Li remarked. He reiterated China's willingness to continue supporting mutual core interests and share its development experience.
The talks focused on enhancing collaboration in infrastructure, rural development, information and communications, and low-carbon transformation. Premier Li also expressed interest in importing high-quality agricultural and food products from the Solomon Islands and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in the region.
Prime Minister Manele echoed the sentiment, stating that the Solomon Islands is eager to deepen economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure development, healthcare, and poverty alleviation efforts. Both leaders pledged to address global challenges such as climate change through their strengthened partnership.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several cooperative documents, including agreements on Belt and Road cooperation, signaling a promising future for China and the Solomon Islands.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
