Senior diplomat Barrett Salato is heading out to take up his new role as the country’s ambassador to China soon.

Salato’s appointment was made mid this year following the death of John Moffat Fugui, the first ambassador, in December last year in Beijing.

He took his oath in office before Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House today.

In congratulating Ambassador Salato on his posting, Vunagi reminded him of his important task of promoting the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country to which he is accredited.

“The Government and people of Solomon Islands expect you to provide sound advice and deliberation on all matters during your tenure in office,” Vunagi stated.

_{Ambassador Barret Salato signing his oath of Office before the Governor General Sir David Vunagi}

He added the choice of Ambassador Salato as head of Mission is no accident and is confident of his personal qualities and experience in the affairs of state for the charge the Government of Solomon Islands has entrusted on him.

In response, Salato affirmed allegiance to the government and constitution of Solomon Islands in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities.

“I will work hard to promote and protect the interests of Solomon Islands, especially in the areas of trade, investment, education, health, development and infrastructure needs of the country,” Salato said.

“I will also explore other new areas of cooperation between our two countries,” he added.

He further stressed that he is conscious of the financial challenges facing the country and recognize the increasing high cost of living in the sustenance of operations of overseas missions and will ensure appropriate financial measures are made to effectively and efficiently run the Beijing Mission. 

_{(From left to Right) Nego Sisiolo, Secretary to Cabinet, PS MFAET Collin Beck, Minister MFAET Jeremiah Manele, GG Sir David Vunagi, Newly appointed SI Ambassador to PRC Barret Salato and Mrs Salato}

Salato is a seasoned diplomat with more than 18 years work experience as senior public servant. 

He previously served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organization and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Before his appointment as ambassador to China, he holds the position of Trade Commissioner in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with China in 2019 after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare came into power.

Sogavare’s decision and his close links to Beijing sparked a raging geopolitical storm that continues to this day.