Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Maelanga arrives in Beijing for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Development, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has arrived in Beijing for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. 

The conference is taking place in Beijing from 17 to 18 October marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative which is expected to have representatives from more than 130 countries participating.

Solomon Islands attends the forum on the invitation by the People’s Republic of China’s Government through the Minister for Natural Resources, Mr. Wang Guanghua.

During the forum, there will be three (3) high level forums held simultaneously for in-depth discussions on connectivity, green development and the digital economy. 

Additionally, six thematic forums will be conducted in parallel under the topics of trade connectivity, people-to-people bonds, think tank exchanges, clean silk-road, subnational cooperation, and maritime cooperation.

 Hon. Maelanga will deliver remarks on the thematic forum on maritime cooperation, as it aims to promote exchanges and cooperation on developing a sustainable blue economy while protecting ocean ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. 

On the platform, Solomon Islands will promote Maritime Cooperation with China and other Pacific Island countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.

 Hon. Maelanga is accompanied by the Minister of Planning Hon. Rexon Ramofafia and other senior government officials. 

The delegation was received at the Beijing International Airport by Charge d’Affaires, Ms. Theresia Shanel, who will accompany them throughout their tour in China. 

ENDS///

GCU