Government House officially commissions H.E Barrett Salato as Ambassador of Solomon Islands to PRC

Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi, commissioned the newly appointed Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), His Excellency Barrett Salato at a ceremony at Government House today.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck and senior Ministry Officials as well as Secretary to Cabinet in the Prime Minister’s Office, Nego Sisiolo were on hand to witness the commissioning ceremony.

In congratulating Ambassador Salato on his posting, Governor General Sir David Vunagi reminded him of his important task of promoting the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country to which he is accredited.

“The Government and people of Solomon Islands expect you to provide sound advice and deliberation on all matters during your tenure in office,” Governor General Sir David Vunagi remarked.

Governor General, Sir David Vunagi said the choice of Ambassador Barrett Salato as head of Mission is no accident and is confident of his personal qualities and experience in the affairs of state for the charge the Government of Solomon Islands has entrusted on him.

In response, Ambassador Salato affirmed allegiance to the government and constitution of Solomon Islands in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities as Head of the Solomon Islands Mission in the Peoples Republic of China.

“I will work hard to promote and protect the interests of Solomon Islands, especially in the areas of trade, investment, education, health, development and infrastructure needs of the country.

“I will also explore other new areas of cooperation between our two countries,” Ambassador Salato remarked.

He further stressed that he is conscious of the financial challenges facing the country and recognize the increasing high cost of living in the sustenance of operations of overseas missions and will ensure appropriate financial measures are made to effectively and efficiently run the Beijing Mission.

Ambassador Salato is a seasoned diplomat with more than 18 years’ work experience as senior public servant. He once served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organization and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. Before his appointment as Ambassador to the PRC, he holds the position of Trade Commissioner in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

Ambassador Salato will be leaving the country soon to commence his term as Head of the Solomon Islands Mission in Beijing. The post became vacant following the death of former Ambassador, H.E John Moffat Fugui in December 2022.

–MFAET PRESS RELEASE