80 athletes to train in China for 3 months

A total of 80 athletes from Solomon Islands will train in China for 3 months for the Pacific Games following s signing ceremony today between a visiting Chinese delegation and the National Hosting Authority.

The delegation from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, CIDCA, the body that looks after the People’s Republic of China’s foreign aid budget is in the country to monitor and ensure China’s Aid program in Solomon Islands is efficiently coordinated to achieve greater impact.

Part of CIDCA’s official program was a courtesy visit to the head of Government, Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP.

Led by its vice Chairman, Mr. Tang Wenghong, the delegation engaged in a cordial and in-depth dialogue with Prime Minister Sogavare.

Following the courtesy visit, Prime Minister Sogavare and the PRC Ambassador, His Excellency Li Ming witnessed the signing of Exchange of Notes between the Vice Chairman of CIDCA Mr. Tang and Secretary to Prime Minister and Chair of the National Hosting Authority, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers.

This is to facilitate the training of about 80 Solomon Islands athletes in China for 3 months. PRC will also send its coaches to train our athletes here at home ahead of November’s Pacific Games.

Meanwhile Solomon Islands and PRC reaffirmed their growing friendly relations and commit to unity, inclusiveness, mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation, promoting a prosperous and stable region with no interest in geopolitical rivalry.

“Solomon Islands and PRC assured each other of their strong and enduring commitment as bilateral partners.”

CIDCA’s important role in assisting the National Government to design cooperation projects for Solomon Islands since the SI-PRC relations was formalised 3 years ago was highly appreciated and acknowledged.

Prime Minister Sogavare appreciates PRC’s ongoing support and commit to future collaboration.

The second signing was a Memorandum of Understanding for the Global Development Initiative between Mr. Tang onbehalf of CIDCA and Special Secretary to Prime Minister Albert Kabui on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands.

The MOU is to strengthen the SI-PRC development cooperation as well as to promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative in Solomon Islands to achieve the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals.

The MOU focus shall be on; Society and Livelihood, Health care, Infrastructure cooperation strengthening, Social Governance, Culture and Sports, Human Resources, Research Institute and Think Tank Exchanges and other projects in line with the GDI vision.

Welcoming the CIDCA delegation to the signing ceremony, Minister of Planning and Aid Coordination Mr. Rex Ramofafia said, the SI-China relations maybe recent however, China has proven to be a partner that is serious and values its partnership with Small and young partners like Solomon Islands.

Minister Ramofafia adds, the achievements and transformative projects being constructed for the PG2023 are testament to this fact.

PG2023 is already promising hope and optimism for our athletes and young people, and will no doubt inspire many more to seek their potential, whether in sports or other life skills.

CIDCA will spend some time to monitor PRC funded projects namely;

• The Pacific Games Stadium.

• SINU dormitory project.

• Medical Centre- now in tender process.

Ends///.