Solomon Islands hopes Vietnam will support the development of human resources, fisheries and agricultural techniques.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Shannel Agovaka. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

At the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed the regards of General Secretary To Lam and Vietnamese leaders to senior Solomon Islands leaders; welcomed Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka on his first official visit to Vietnam, which was also the highest-ranking official visit between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1996; and believed that the visit would be a good starting point to bring the bilateral relationship into a new, more vibrant and substantive phase.

Recalling the positive results of the meeting with Solomon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on June 9 on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit (UNOC-3) in Nice, France, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that the two sides increase the exchange of high-level visits and all-level visits, establish consultation mechanisms between relevant ministries and sectors and people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutual understanding; and welcomed the Solomon Prime Minister's plan to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Shannel Agovaka. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The Prime Minister emphasized that the two countries need to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, health care, transport infrastructure, and encourage businesses of both countries to expand investment in areas of mutual interest and strength such as agriculture, maritime and fisheries cooperation, and renewable energy; and said that he will direct relevant agencies of Vietnam to soon send a delegation to explore cooperation opportunities in Solomon, especially investment in fishing facilities, on-site processing and seafood export in Solomon. The Prime Minister also suggested that the two sides sign agreements to facilitate travel between people of the two countries, including the first of which is the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders; and promote more convenient connecting flights between Vietnam and the South Pacific island countries.

Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka respectfully conveyed the Solomon Prime Minister's regards to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; expressed his deep impression and gratitude for the warm and thoughtful welcome that Vietnam gave to the Minister and his delegation right from the moment they arrived in Vietnam; said that Solomon highly values the role and position of Vietnam in the Asia-Pacific region; and said that the two countries have many things in common, can share, learn from each other, support and assist each other in the development process.

The Solomon Islands delegation attended the reception. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The Minister highly appreciated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation Framework between the Governments of Vietnam and Solomon Islands during this visit, considering it an important foundation for the two countries to develop cooperation in potential fields. The Minister also asked Vietnam to support Solomon Islands in training and developing human resources and techniques in fisheries and agriculture; wished to import rice and raw materials from Vietnam; affirmed that it would create favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in potential projects in Solomon Islands.

Leaders of several Vietnamese ministries and sectors attended the reception. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade agreed to enhance coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, especially at the United Nations; and jointly contribute to effective and substantive cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for the region's sustainable development.

HA THANH GIANG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/solomon-mong-viet-nam-ho-tro-phat-trien-nguon-nhan-luc-ky-thuat-nghe-ca-nong-nghiep-post922160.html