by Ronald F. Toito’ona
Rennell & Bellona Province is moving towards formalising a new sister relationship with Hainan Province in China.
Renbel’s recently elected premier Derek Pongi confirmed this to In-depth Solomons after having talks with China’s ambassador to Solomon Islands Chi Weiming.
“As a province, we have adopted the national policy of ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ in our foreign relationship,” Pongi said.
He said the policy embodies the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding that has guided our relations with countries around the world.
Renbel Premier Pongi andChina’s ambassador to Solomon Islands Chi Weiming| Credits: Photo suplied.
“In line with this policy, we are eager to establish a sister relationship with Hainan Province.
“We believe that this partnership will bring significant benefits to both our provinces and foster greater cooperation and mutual understanding between our people.”
Rennell & Bellona is Solomon Islands’ smallest province and one of the most isolated with a population of just move than 3,000 people.
Pongi said his province looks forward to exploring areas of mutual interest under this new relationship..
He added his government has identified four key priority areas that we will focus on in terms of development priorities:
* Fisheries: Our province is rich in marine resources, and we believe that cooperation with Hainan Province in this area can lead to shared benefits in this sector.
* Tourism: Rennell Bellona Province has great potential for tourism, offering unique natural and cultural experiences. We would like to explore opportunities for tourism development with Hainan Province.
* Agriculture: We recognize the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth and improving food security. We are interested in exploring joint initiatives in agriculture with Hainan Province.
* Infrastructure: Improved infrastructure is essential for economic growth and development. We believe that cooperation with Hainan Province can help us address our infrastructure needs.
“We believe that these priority areas will not only benefit our province but also contribute to the overall development of Solomon Islands,” he said.
During the meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Premier Pongi thanked China for its contribution to the development of Solomon Islands.
“Your support and partnership have been instrumental in advancing our nation’s interests and improving the lives of our people,” Pongi told Ambassador Weiming.
“We will continue to work towards the same goals and objectives, and we are confident that our collaborative efforts will yield even greater benefits for both our province and our country.”
Pongi said the Chinese Embassy in Honiara will set up a virtual meeting between his executive and the Governor and officials of Hainan Province soon to discuss the sister relationship.
He said once all formalities are finalised, he and his delegation will travel to Hainan Province to sign the sister relationship agreement.
This new relationship, once formalized, will place Rennell & Bellona Province alongside Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Honiara City, all of which have established sister relationships with various provinces in China.