The Solomon Islands High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand Commemorated Solomon Islands 41st Independence Anniversary in Wellington on 16th July 2019. The occasion was graced by a good turnout of representatives from the diplomatic corps and Officials from the New Zealand Government who attended the event.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Lady Joy Kere, used the occasion to acknowledge the cordial relationship Solomon Islands Government and the New Zealand Government have enjoyed for the past decades, even well before Solomon Islands gained Independence in 1978.
In highlighting the theme of the event, “Strengthening Solomon Islands – New Zealand Bilateral Relations”, Her Excellency underscores the importance of the recent New Zealand Signature Policy on Pacific Reset which underpins its Development partnership.
Her Excellency took the opportunity to thank the government of New Zealand for the assistance provided to Solomon Islands in the areas of fisheries management, education, economic governance, law and justice and economic growth through infrastructure such as support to the aviation sector which enabled the official Inauguration of the alternate Solomon Islands International Airport in Munda.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner also highlighted the recent New Zealand Pacific Mission to the Solomon Islands, led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, HON Winston Peters, as a successful manifestation of such partnership.
High Commissioner Lady Joy Kere, thanked the New Zealand Government for the reenergised partnership through signing of the “Statement of Partnership” which will guide and deepen our partnership; understanding, friendship, mutual benefit, collective impact, and sustainability.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner also stressed that, one of the success stories of the Solomon Islands-New Zealand relations is the labour mobility. Whilst acknowledging the New Zealand government for the opportunity for Solomon Islands workers to engage in the Viti and Horti culture industry. Her Excellency reemphasized the need for a broadened approach in the future that can encompass other industries and embrace semi and skilled workers which remains a future potential that SI looks forward to.
Deputy Secretary of the Pacific Development Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jonathan Kings was the chief guest. Mr Kings thanked the Solomon Islands Government through the Solomon Islands High Commission for the continued cordial relations that both Governments embrace and reaffirms New Zealand continuous support and assistance to the Solomon Islands.
The entertaining highlight of the event was the cultural performances from the Solomon Islands Students Studying in Victoria University and Auckland University who put on a brilliant show which captured the attention of all the VIP Guests and the almost a hundred Guests who attended.
In thanking the Students, Her Excellency took a moment to also commend Solomon Islanders living in New Zealand for the superb support they continue to render towards the Solomon Islands High Commission Office in Wellington. The Commemoration of the 41st Independence anniversary celebration was held at the Wellington Club, Wellington, New Zealand