PM LILO MET TAIWANESE FOREIGN MINISTER IN TAIPEI

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has met with Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Minister David Lin in Taipei yesterday, which both leaders discussed matters of mutual interests.

Prime Minister Lilo also took the opportunity to convey his condolences and that of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands to the victims of a series of gas explosions that shook Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city, claiming more than 20 lives and left many injured.

A government statement said Mr. Lilo was on his way back from the 45th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Palau during which he met with Mr. Lin.

He also expressed his appreciation for Taiwan’s continued assistance in particular ROC’s strong support in the health sector.

Prime Minister Lilo referred to the recent opening of the new dengue laboratory at the national referral hospital, as an example of Taiwan’s deepening engagement in the country’s health sector.

Meanwhile, Mr Lilo said the lab will be very helpful for Solomon Islands in its fight against dengue fever.

Taiwanese experts say the lab will greatly enhance Solomon Islands medical experts to identify patients suffering from dengue in time so that appropriate actions can be taken against the disease.

Prime Minister Lilo said there are a lot more areas in the health sector that the two countries can cooperate in, one of which is the fight against malaria.

He said malaria remains a major problem in the Solomon Islands and he hopes this cooperation in the health sector between Solomon Islands and Taiwan can take it into consideration.

Meanwhile, Mr Lilo assured ROC Taiwan that Solomon Islands will continue to support their endeavour for international recognition.

The Prime Minister leaves Taipei tomorrow for Indonesia to open the country’s newest mission in Jakarta on Wednesday.