The Leader of the United Party (UP), Peter Kenilorea Junior, has pledged a renewed engagement with traditional development partners, including Taiwan, should his party come into power after the April 17 polls.
Kenilorea stated UP’s welcoming stance toward any development partner genuinely interested in the Solomon Islands, emphasizing the significance of nurturing relationships founded on mutual respect, sovereignty, and a true dedication to the nation’s development.
“Genuine partnership reeks of the notion ‘You tap my back, I’ll tap yours’,” he said.
While acknowledging traditional partners as those nations that supported the Solomon Islands’ entrance into the United Nations, Kenilorea cautioned against perceiving development partners as the exclusive saviors of the country.
UP Party members in white during the launching yesterday| Photo IDS News
He advocated for a development approach that is homegrown and people-centered.
Highlighting the ‘Look North Foreign Policy’ as a cornerstone of the OUR Party’s campaign, Kenilorea clarified that this policy is not a new concept but has been integral to the Solomon Islands’ approach since gaining independence in 1978.
The only recent addition is the Security Pact with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), prompting a call for increased clarity and transparency in security matters.
While expressing support for the economic development aspect of the ‘Look North Policy,’ Kenilorea emphasized the need for greater clarity, particularly in security-related issues.
He reiterated his party’s commitment to being friends to all and enemies to none.
United Party Launching of it Party policies yesterday.
“Look North Policy is very much on economic development and we support that, but when it comes to the security aspect of it, that’s what we have to be very clear about.
“Security issues need to be less ambiguous and much more clearer.”
Kenilorea expressed dissatisfaction with the departure of old traditional partners from the country, signaling the UP’s openness to re-inviting them.
He stated that the “door is open for all development partners”, aligning with the party’s slogan, “United for Change.”