Solomons PM apologizes to Taiwan

Honiara (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation/PINA Nius Online) – Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has apologized to the government and people of Taiwan over recent misunderstandings resulting from a trip to Hong Kong by Foreign Minister Danny Philip.

At a ceremony in Taipei, Mr. Sogavare presented the Taiwanese Foreign Affairs Minister Ting-Hung Mao with a traditional shell money or Tafuliae, as a sign of apology.

At the ceremony described by a Solomon Islands diplomat in Taiwan as emotional and private, Mr. Sogavare apologized for the trip by his Foreign Minister early last month.

Mr. Sogavare said the media could have sensationalized the issue, but if there was anything, the Prime minister said sorry to Taiwan.

He said relations between the two countries must continue.

Mr. Sogavare earlier visited the Agriculture and Fisheries Council office in Taipei.

During the visit, Mr. Sogavare and delegation were briefed on the success story of agriculture position in Taiwan’s economy.

Taiwan’s Agriculture practices were first introduced in Solomon Islands under the Republic of China Agriculture Demonstration farm, after the two countries formalized diplomatic relations in 1983.

Reports from Taipei say the Taiwan agriculture council briefed Mr. Sogavare that the idea behind the demonstration farms is to help Solomon Islands improve agricultural production.

Council Chairman Shi-Hun Cheng also briefed the delegation on the recent fisheries agreement signed between Solomon Islands and Taiwan Boat Owners Association.

Cheng said he is hopeful the agreement would benefit the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands The Premiers’ Conference earlier scheduled to be held at Buala next week has been postponed to start on November 13.

SIBC understands that Mr. Sogavare had directed that the Conference be delayed a week because he wanted to deliver the opening address after he returns from his current visit to Taiwan.

The Buala Premiers’ Conference is very significant because it will be during the Conference that the idea of the country adopting the state system of government will be addressed.

Already some Provinces like Western and Choiseul have started working towards adopting a state system of Government with the establishment of various task forces responsible for various sectors of development.

Representatives from the Solsearch company which had applied for diamond prospecting in East Kwaio constituency on Malaita had met with Prime Minister Sogavare during his stay in Brisbane en route to Taiwan.

The company had applied for a prospecting license in East Kwaio earlier this year. But MP for East Kwaio, Alfred Sasako had earlier stated that the prospecting for mineral will only go ahead if the unrest on Guadalcanal is resolved.