Wang Yi Talks about Eight-pronged Important Consensus Reached by China and Solomon Islands

On May 26, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele jointly met the press in Honiara.

Wang Yi introduced the eight-pronged important consensus reached by China and Solomon Islands on enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation during this visit:

First, jointly cement the political foundation for China-Solomon Islands relations. The two countries should firmly support each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, support safeguarding each other's core interests, and support each other's choice of development path. China appreciates Solomon Islands' adherence to the one-China principle and friendly policy toward China. This is entirely in line with the fundamental interests of Solomon Islands and its people.

Second, jointly advance the Belt and Road cooperation. The two sides should seek greater synergy between their development strategies and tap the potential of pragmatic cooperation. China supports Solomon Islands in giving full play to its comparative advantages and accelerating its development and revitalization. China will take concrete measures to facilitate two-way trade and investment, expand the export of Solomon Islands' competitive products to China, and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Solomon Islands. China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of Solomon Islands' products exported to China.

Third, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative. China will support the reconstruction of the capital city of Honiara, ensure sound implementation of aid projects such as the stadium and athletes' village for the Pacific Games, and the Comprehensive Medical Centre at the National Referral Hospital of Solomon Islands, and carry out more livelihood projects. China will do its utmost to support Solomon Islands' fight against the COVID-19 pandemic until a final victory is clinched.

Fourth, jointly create a secure and stable environment. Both sides agreed that security is a prerequisite for development. China firmly supports Solomon Islands government's efforts to maintain domestic stability and lasting peace and security, and will continue to carry out cooperation on law enforcement and security according to the needs and at the request of Solomon Islands to help the country strengthen police capacity-building.

Fifth, jointly promote connectivity. The two sides signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption and reached a consensus on cooperation in civil aviation transportation. This will provide greater convenience for strengthening personnel exchanges between the two countries, thus promoting people-to-people ties.

Sixth, jointly address climate change. China will provide all necessary support and assistance for Solomon Islands to enhance its capacity to tackle climate change. The two sides will strengthen cooperation in marine environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, emergency response, Blue Economy and other fields, so as to enable the blue Pacific Ocean to benefit the people.

Seventh, jointly promote sub-national exchanges. Jiangmen City in Guangdong Province of China and Honiara City became the first pair of sister cities between the two countries. The two sides should leverage the features and strengths of sub-national exchanges, encourage more provinces and cities of the two countries to establish sister relationships, and stimulate the vitality of non-governmental exchanges at sub-national levels.

Eighth, jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries. The two sides will continue close communication and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, oppose zero-sum games, bullying acts, coercion, and interference in internal affairs, advocate and practice true multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.