The Prime Minister, the Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Deputy Minister of Emergency Management, Xu Jiaai, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet this morning.
Deputy Minister Xu Jiaai and his delegation are in the country to progress the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM).
Prior to meeting with the Supervising Minister of MECDM, Deputy Minister Xu Jiaai and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.
In his address to the visiting Deputy Minister, the Prime Minister conveyed the government’s deep appreciation for the initiative taken by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to monitor and implement the MOU with the MECDM.
The Prime Minister underscored that this is a demonstration of the firm commitment of the PRC’s government to the MOU and emphasized that the government is equally committed to furthering the understanding.
PM Manele further highlighted that the government salutes President Xi Ping’s philosophy on disaster management, adding that it looks forward to entering into practical cooperation in that area.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the frequency of cyclones, king tides, and other natural disasters, adding that the geographical spread of the islands presents a challenge for disaster response.
Prime Minister Manele urged the Deputy Minister to consider enhancing the capability and capacity of National Disaster Councils (NDC) based in the provinces.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged the PRC Embassy, under the leadership of Ambassador Cai Weiming, for ensuring that the outcomes of the visit to China are implemented and for its role in monitoring the ongoing MOUs
Prime Minister Manele assured the Deputy Minister of the government’s commitment to work closely with the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) within the framework of the comprehensive and strategic bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister assured continued commitment to upholding, respecting, and honouring the territorial integrity of both countries, adding that the government recognizes the One China Principle.
The meeting between the People’s Republic of China’s Deputy Minister of Emergency Management, Xu Jiaai, and the Supervising Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) is crucial for advancing the MOU signed earlier between the PRC and the Solomon Islands.