SI & SINGAPORE REAFFIRMED DIPLOMATIC TIES

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Josephine Teo met in Singapore reaffirming their government’s commitment to the ties that exist between Solomon Islands and Singapore.

The two leaders appreciated the opportunity of the face-to-face dialogue to reaffirm their commitment to the friendly ties that exist between the two countries.

A statement by the Prime Minister Press Secretary says Prime Minister Sogavare and Senior States Minister Teo dialogued on Singapore’s Cooperation Programme (SCP) established in 1992 to serve as the primary platform through which Singapore offers technical assistance to other developing countries including Solomon Islands.

Technical assistance provided under the SPC involves training courses or study visits conducted in Singapore in the areas of agriculture, childcare education, communications and transport, economic development, law and public utilities and other sectors.

Sogavare said Solomon Islands has benefited from the SCP since its introduction.

The Prime Minister thanked the Singaporean Government for the significant contribution it has made to the development of Solomon Islands through this programme.

Meanwhile, the Singaporean Senior Minister of State said the SCP is one way Singapore can make a meaningful contribution to its relations with Solomon Islands.

Minister Teo told Prime Minister Sogavare, Solomon Islands officials mainly attended technical training programmes provided under the auspices of SCP in the areas of finance and economic development.

She said training opportunities can be extended to other areas requested by the Solomon Islands Government.