SOGAVARE HAILS DONOR SUPPORT TOWARDS COVID-19 FIGHT

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has praised donor partners for their ongoing support to the Government towards the fight against covid-19.

Sogavare made particular mention of the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for their ongoing support towards Solomon Islands even when these countries are battling covid-19 which has affected their own people.

Solomon Islands and PRC signed a Framework Agreement Establishing Diplomatic Relations between the two countries only 6 months ago and Sogavare was inspired that this relationship has not only developed, but made invaluable progress despite the limitations caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Government of the People’s Republic of China through its Honiara Embassy has handed over three distinct partnership programs last week which included a grant assistance towards hosting the 2023 Pacific Games combined with cash donations to support the government’s COVID-19 response and Tropical Cyclone Harold rehabilitation.   

The People’s Republic of China has also donated laboratory equipment and reagents, coronavirus test kits and personal protective equipment. Many of these equipment and PPEs will arrive in the country this week by air and sea and others will continue to arrive in due course.

These support covers laboratory equipment, testing kits, Medical gloves, Personal Protective Equipment, various Masks, Medical, surgical and N95. Infrared thermometers and medical goggles.  

All other bilateral partners and donors including Australia and New Zealand are continuously supporting the Government during this hard time.