Solomon Islands ambassador meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Solomon Islands’ Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States of America, Robert Sisilo, completed his cross-accreditations by presenting his Letter of Appointment to Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Monday.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the letter, which appoints New York-based Mr Sisilo as Solomon Islands’ non-resident High Commissioner to Canada.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said climate change and labour mobility were part of a discussion after the presentation.
Mr Sisilo commended Mr. Trudeau and his government on their unwavering commitment to the Paris Agreement and their financial support to the Green Climate Fund and other funds related to climate change.
The Green Climate Fund has provided the Solomon Islands with about $90 million dollars to finance the Tina River Hydro Project in Central Guadalcanal.
Acknowledging the warm relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Trudeau assured Mr Sisilo of Canada’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and his awareness of the challenges rising sea levels pose for Solomon Islands.
On labour mobility, Mr Sisilo noted the two Solomon Islanders who were recently granted Canadian work permits under the immigration nomination program with help from Canadian International Training & Education Corp (CITREC) and Guadalcanal Province.
He said such labour schemes make a difference in the Solomon Islands, where unemployment is high.
Mr Sisilo and Prime Minister Trudeau also discussed the export of cassava, ginger and other crops to Canada.
Solomon Islands Honorary Consul General to Canada, Ashwant Dwivedi accompanied Mr. Sisilo to his appointments and will continue discussions with government officials on labour mobility and agricultural exports to Canada.