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| 2/12/08 - Cabinet approves Establishment of a Resident Mission of the Solomon Islands in Suva |
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Cabinet has formally endorsed the establishment of a Resident Diplomatic Mission in Suva by the Government of the Solomon Islands.
Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, in his capacity as the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation.
Ratu Epeli said that the intention of the Solomon Islands Government to establish a resident mission in Fiji was in recognition of the need to cater for the sizeable Solomon Islands community in Fiji, many of whom reside and/or study at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
He said that the Solomon Islands Government had already undertaken a preliminary exploratory mission to expedite planning for the eventual establishment of a Mission.
Diplomatic relations between Fiji and the Government of the Solomon Islands (SIG) were established on 28th July, 1978, although historical connections have existed for much longer.
Ratu Epeli said that ties between our two countries were cemented during the Guadalcanal/Solomon Islands campaign during World War II as well as through missionary contacts.
“The political goodwill that has built up since then has been enhanced in recent years by, amongst other things, Fiji’s acceptance into the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and both countries' involvement in the Bougainville peace process.
“Fiji was also involved in the Solomon Islands peace process since the ethnic turmoil of 1999-2003 and was subsequently associated through the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.
“By and large, Fiji and the Solomon Islands have and continue to enjoy very cordial relations.”
Ratu Epeli further said that as is consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, the provisions of which are given effect by the Fiji Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act (1971), Fiji will accord the resident Solomon Islands Mission, its staff, and operations, the standard privileges and immunities accorded to the other resident diplomatic Missions in Suva.
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(No.2142)
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