SI AMBASSADOR TO INDONESIA THANKED INDONESIAN PRESIDENT

Solomon Islands first ever Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Salana Kalu has thanked Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for his role in prioritising Solomon Islands’ bilateral relations and cooperation with Indonesia.

Ambassador Kalu presented his credentials to President Yudhoyono last week at the “Instana Merdeka Palace” in Jakarta, where he thanked the President for accepting his letter of credence and his accreditation as the first Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the Republic of Indonesia.

At the ceremony, President Yudhoyono said the establishment of the Solomon Islands Embassy in Jakarta is one of the achievements founded on the outcome of a meeting between him and Prime Minister Lilo in Jakarta in early August 2013.

President Yudhoyono acknowledged that he had met with Prime Minister Lilo twice in his capacity as President, adding there are many areas and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, he said the enhancement of bilateral cooperation and the establishment of Solomon Islands Embassy in Jakarta are timely.

A government statement said Ambassador Kalu now heads the newly established Solomon Islands Embassy in Jakarta that has been in operation since 21May this year.

The Embassy will be officially opened by the Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo on 5 August 2014.

Ambassador Salana Kalu is a carrier diplomat formerly serving as Chief of Protocol, Assistant Secretary for Asia, Africa and the Middle East Branch prior to taking up his new role as Ambassador.

SIBC News understands, he was also Charge d affaires of the Solomon Islands High Commission in Malaysia, and Deputy Secretary Supervising of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade from 2007 until 14th May 2014 before the Indonesian post.