PRIME MINISTER PLEASED WITH PROGRESS OF AIRLINE IMPASSE TALKS
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed appreciation over the progress made by Honiara and Suva in their move to swiftly resolve the air service row between Solomon Islands and Fiji.
The Prime Minister uttered his gratitude when the visiting Fiji Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola called on him this morning.
A Government statement today says Honourable Ratu Kubuabola briefed the Prime Minister on the decisions reached in his discussion with his Solomon Islands counterpart Milner Tozaka yesterday.
The Fiji Foreign Minister said Fiji’s Minister for Aviation Honourable Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum will be meeting with his Solomon Islands counterpart in Suva next Monday as follow-up from his initial discussions on the airlines impasse with Honourable Tozaka.
Meanwhile in response, Prime Minister Sogavare thanked Hon. Ratu Kubuabola for his visit and the positive approach taken by Fiji towards resolving the airlines impasse which has affected Solomon Islands.
He said it is paramount for Solomon Islands that the issue be resolved by next month as it will be its peak travel time to Fiji.
Mr Sogavare says lots of people, especially Solomon Islanders studying in Fiji will be travelling to Fiji in February and it is important that the impasse is resolved.
The Prime Minister also raised issues of development cooperation between Solomon Islands and Fiji with Honourable Ratu Kubuabola.
The Fiji Foreign Minister assured him that his government will address some of the development cooperation issues raised.
The two leaders exchanged gifts at the end of their meeting today.
SIBC News understands Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola left the country this afternoon.