Acting PM receives Philippines Ambassador to Solomon Islands
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Fredrick Kologeto today received a courtesy call from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Edgar Thomas Auxilian.
The non-resident ambassador is based in Papua New Guinea and discharges his ambassadorial duties on behalf of the Government of the Philippines to both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Acting Prime Minister Kologeto congratulated Ambassador Auxilian on the successful presentation of his credentials to the Governor General of Solomon Islands.
Hon. Kologeto acknowledged the Filipino community in Solomon Islands for their valuable contributions and the expertise they continue to provide in various professional roles.
He also highlighted the need for the two countries to advance the Memorandum of Understanding on Health and the Air Services Agreement, citing the importance of access to improved health facilities and the need to review and enhance aviation links between the two countries.
The Acting Prime Minister acknowledged the Philippines’ hospitality in hosting Solomon Islands students in its universities.
Acting PM Kologeto emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in the productive and resource sectors—specifically in agriculture and fisheries—as promising areas for future collaboration.
He further noted that both countries share similar weather conditions and that climate change is a shared concern.
He underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration to strengthen climate resilience and address its challenges.
The Acting Prime Minister also stressed the importance of advancing people-to-people relations between the two nations.
His Excellency Ambassador Edgar Thomas Auxilian reaffirmed the Philippine Government’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Auxilian assured the Acting Prime Minister that he would work to ensure that the MOUs on Health and Air Services are advanced during his tenure.
He also acknowledged the importance of people-to-people relations and assured the Acting Prime Minister of the Philippines’ ongoing support in providing quality education for Solomon Islands students.
The Ambassador further expressed his country’s support in providing affordable and high-quality healthcare services to Solomon Islanders seeking medical attention.
Ambassador Auxilian also sought Solomon Islands’ support for the Philippines’ bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, noting that with shared interests—particularly on climate change—it is in the best interests of both nations for the Philippines to assume a role in the Council.
As a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), His Excellency Auxilian pledged the Philippines’ support for the upcoming regional event and expressed his anticipation of attending the meeting in September this year.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat