MOU SIGNED BETWEEN PROVINCES OF SHANDONG AND ISABEL

Shandong Province in People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Isabel Province have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way for the establishment of sister relationship between the Provinces.

Signing the MOU, representing the Solomon Islands government was Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, honorable Wayne Ghemu and representing the Shandong Province, the Deputy Governor Zeng Zanrong.

Witnessing the signing was the Prime Minister honorable Jeremiah Manele MP, and the Governor of Shandong Province Zhou Naixiang.

Prior to the signing, a bilateral discussion was held between PM Manele and Governor Naixiang. During the talks, the Prime Minister acknowledged Shandong’s leadership in the agriculture sector.

Prime Minister further acknowledged Qingdao’s (Shandong’s coastal city) remarkable GDP of 1.57 trillion which ranked the city at the 13^th place amongst cities in China.

PM Manele also made special acknowledgement of three Members of Parliament (included himself) from Isabel Province who were present to witness the signing of the MOU. Adding that it is a special moment for them.

The Prime Minister when acknowledging Shandong’s leadership in the agriculture sector, highlighted that Solomon Islands is also a heavily reliant agricultural nation however people need to gradually shift from subsistence farming to commercial undertaking in order to maximize the full potential of the sector.

PM Manele also graciously acknowledged the offer of scholarships for students of Isabel Province by the Shandong Province. Details of which will be pursued once authorities on both sides- Isabel Province and Shandong Provincial Government- work together on its rollout.

The Prime Minister highlighted that sub- national relations is important as far as people to people connections is concern, and further to that, within that framework other areas of common interests can be pursued such as fisheries, tourism, agriculture to name a few.

PM Manele pledged his government’s support to ensure the process to achieve sister relationship status with Shandong Province will come to fruition as soon as possible.

PM Manele further highlighted that it is his government’s intention to ensure all the nine Provinces in Solomon Islands have sister relationships with Provinces in China, adding that it is a commitment that his government will continue to pursue.

The Prime Minister also offered an overview of his meetings with both Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping to Shandong’s governor Naixiang during their bilateral talks.

Today- 14^th July 2024- PM Manele and delegation will make a number of visits to places such as Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (YSFRI), Qingdao Fully Automated Container Terminal, and Qingdao Allheart Marine Co. Ltd.

ENDS//

– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT