High Commissioner Makabo Presents Credentials to India’s President

His Excellency Anthony Makabo, the first High Commissioner of the Solomon Islands to the Republic of India, presented his credentials to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

This credential ceremony marks the completion of all necessary protocol procedures, allowing H.E. Anthony Makabo to formally commence his diplomatic duties. As a result, he is now authorized to request courtesy calls to high-ranking Indian officials, including the Vice President, ministers in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Foreign Secretary, the Chief Minister of Delhi, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and other dignitaries.

This event signifies a new milestone in the diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Governments of India and the Solomon Islands. During the bilateral session, President Murmu congratulated High Commissioner Makabo on his appointment as the first Solomon Islands High Commissioner to India, following the successful establishment of the new mission in 2023. The President also lauded the friendly relations and ongoing cooperation between India and the Solomon Islands.

High Commissioner Makabo conveyed greetings from His Excellency, the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, on behalf of the government and people of the Solomon Islands. He also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for their support and financial assistance in the areas of health and medicine, education, information technology, logistical support for the Pacific Games 2023, and funding for the Solomon Islands National University Forestry Campus Relocation Project.

Additionally, High Commissioner Makabo acknowledged the Government of India’s commitments and pledges made during the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) in 2023, and reaffirmed the Solomon Islands Government’s intent to fully leverage these opportunities in the future.

In his concluding remarks, High Commissioner Makabo assured President Murmu that his primary objective as the first High Commissioner to India is to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. He pledged to work closely with the Indian Government and its relevant authorities to advance the development aspirations of the Solomon Islands.

–MFAET PRESS RELEASE