As Pacific Vuvale, the Solomon Islands and Fiji look forward to strengthen collaboration through exploring renewed arrangements in air services connectivity and security cooperation.
This was conveyed today at a meeting held between the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala and the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency, Joseph Maáhanua.
Dr. Korovavala welcomed the Solomon Islands commitment to deepen cooperation with Fiji, particularly in the lead up to the upcoming Pacific Island Leaders Forum Meeting to be held in Cook Islands this year and in the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
On the same note, he acknowledged the interest shown by the Solomon Islands to enhance bilateral relations with Fiji, by exploring potential cooperation through the review of the Air Services Agreement, and in the security.
He said consultations are ongoing to determine the best course of action on the proposed cooperation.
In response, High Commissioner Maáhanua said Solomon Islands looks forward to strengthened economic cooperation with Fiji.
“Once reviewed the air services agreement would provide either side with the ability to explore increased opportunities for air connectivity. Presently between Honiara and Nadi, the three airlines operating within that route includes the Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines and Air Niugini.
"Now with the second airport opened in the Solomon Islands, there are opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of trade and tourism,” High Commissioner Maáhanua said.
He said Solomon Islands presently has a security cooperation with Australia and they are keen to develop similar arrangements with Fiji.
According to High Commissioner Maáhanua, the cooperation will support either countries to deploy navy, military and police officers during times of need particularly in the provision of humanitarian assistance and related services.
The High Commissioner commended Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka for his exemplary leadership in reuniting the region during his tenure as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
He said Solomon Islands looks to Fiji as the hub of the region, and is determined to advance our cooperation for the prosperity of our two nations and solidarity of our region.