PM LILO PLEASED WITH RECENT NZ VISIT OUTCOMES

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo greeted upon his arrival from the New Zealand state visit. Photo: SIBC.

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo is pleased with the outcome of his recent discussions with his New Zealand counterpart John Key.

Prime Minister Lilo says his government had used last week’s state visit to New Zealand to establish key understanding on very strategic development issues which must be pursued.

He says among major issues discussed include an education engagement between certain Universities in New Zealand and the Solomon Islands National University; and the political party registration project.

“The Prime Minister himself has given the support behind the Political Party Integrity registration project. We have had some very very important discussions with other key Ministers in particular with the Minister for Economic Development Planning, the engagement in education, for instance in assisting our Solomon Islands National University and the Minister of Economic Development Planning have assigned the Massey University and the Aukland University of Technology to be the partner university that, you know, we can use to strengthen the capacity of our Solomon Islands National University.”

Mr Lilo adds, the New Zealand Government has also offered assistance in the land management and administration sector.

“They’ve also agreed, you know, for a delegation from Solomon Islands to visit New Zealand to look into the land administration and management system there.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says the Solomon Islands government is grateful for the recent ‘state visit’ accorded to his government on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands by the New Zealand Government.

Speaking to members of the media at the VIP lounge upon his return from New Zealand this afternoon, Prime Minister Lilo says his government is honoured to be invited for the official visit where his delegation met and discussed bilateral issues with the New Zealand Prime Minister and key Government ministers.

“The honour that has been given by the Government of New Zealand for the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands to be able to be given the privilege to visit the parliament house, at the same time have the treatment to be a guest to the Government of new Zealand is so significant a commitment that New Zealand ave shown from the bottom of their heart in helping our country. It is an opportunity that enable us to be able to engage with the Prime Minister and other key Ministers on key  development issues that are relevant for our country.”

He says last week’s engagement proves New Zealand’s keen interest to develop identified priority areas for the benefit of the people of Solomon Islands.