A visiting senior Chinese official says his country was deeply moved by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s acknowledgment of China’s direct funding for the Pacific Games, currently underway in Honiara.

Sogavare thanked China when he officially opened the two-week sporting event last Sunday at the National Stadium in Honiara.

_{^{Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare delivering his keynote address during the grand opening of the Solo2023 XVII Pacific games to a jampacked National Stadium last Sunday| Photo: Charley Piringi}}

Vice chair of China’s National People’s Congress Cai Defeng is leading a delegation to Honiara and today met Sogavare in his office.

“We are ‘deeply moved’ by your remarks at the official opening ceremony acknowledging China’s direct assistance to the Pacific Games,” Defend tells Sogavare through an interpreter during their meeting.

“I will convey your acknowledgement to the Government of the People’s Republic of China,” he added.

“.The spectacular display and creativity exhibited during the games official opening was impressive.”

China funded about 80 per cent of the Games facilities, including the main stadium and a three-storey accommodation that’s housing the majority of athletes.

These came under a SBD$2.5 billion  grant China provided to Solomon Islands to prepare the Games facilities.

Other donors include Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The United States was acknowledged for availing its “floating hospital” – the military medical vessel Mercy – to support Solomon Islands meet any extra medical care that may arise due to the Games.

Mercy has anchored in the waters off Honiara.

During his meeting with the Chinese delegation, Sogavare thanked China for its continued support in the socio-economic and infrastructural developments of the country. 

“Solomon Islands looks forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with People’s Republic of China at all levels and it is expected that our relations will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.