Li Keqiang Holds Talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands

On the morning of October 9, 2019, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands, who was paying an official visit to China and scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition 2019.

Li Keqiang said, the establishment of official diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands opens a new chapter of bilateral relations. It not only accords with the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, but also will greatly promote common development of the two countries as well as the stability and prosperity for countries in the region. China has always advocated that all countries, regardless of size, are equal, and supports the efforts of the government of Solomon Islands to develop economy and improve people's livelihood. The Chinese side appreciates the commitment of the government of Solomon Islands to the One China principle, and is willing to work with the Solomon Islands side to enhance strategic communication, increase political mutual trust, ensure a good start in bilateral relations, lead the way for bilateral exchanges between all walks of life, reinforce the public foundation for mutual benefit and win-win results, and better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

Li Keqiang expressed, China is the largest trade partner and export market of Solomon Islands. The two countries share broad prospects for cooperation in such areas as fishery, forestry and mining industry. The Chinese side is willing to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the Solomon Islands side, adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, actively negotiate measures and arrangements to promote trade facilitation and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas including finance, agriculture and education. The Solomon Islands side is welcome to expand its exports of high-quality products to China. China encourages more well-established and capable Chinese enterprises to actively participate in Solomon Islands' infrastructural construction based on market-oriented principles. The Chinese side stands ready to enhance non-governmental and local exchanges with the Solomon Islands side, agrees to list Solomon Islands as a destination for Chinese tour groups, supports it in hosting 2023 Pacific Games and welcomes its participation in the third China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum. The Chinese side is willing to intensify South-South cooperation and share experience with the Solomon Islands side, and expects the two sides to make joint efforts to open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation in the future. 

Manasseh Sogavare congratulated the People's Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding. He said, it is impressive that China has made remarkable achievements and become the second largest economy in the world. Solomon Islands is pleased to be on the right side of history to abide by the One China principle and establish diplomatic relations with China. This is in line with the international law and the United Nations General Assembly's resolution. As both countries are located in the Asia-Pacific region and are developing countries, the Solomon Islands side is willing to, on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect, take an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative, learn China's experience in development, promote cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, fishery and agriculture, infrastructure, education and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote South-South cooperation.

After the talks, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements in areas including diplomacy, economic technology and education.

Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held a welcome ceremony for Manasseh Sogavare at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Liu Xincheng and others were present at relevant activities.