SOLOMON ISLANDS RECEIVE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FROM CHINA

The impact of COVID-19 around the world has claimed and disrupted lives of peoples and slowed the global economy, regrettably Solomon Islands has registered its first two COVID-19 related deaths as of yesterday.

As community transmission of the virus surges in Solomon Islands, China and Solomon Islands stand in solidarity with the families and governments and people who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and remain steadfast to work with everyone to fight the pandemic.

On January 26, 2022, Cabinet Ministers of Solomon Islands, the Hon. Culwick Togamana, Minister of Health and Medical Services and the Hon Anthony Veke, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services with His Excellency Ambassador LI Ming of the People’s Republic of China Embassy in Solomon Islands were at Honiara International Airport to receive emergency humanitarian assistance supplies from the People’s Republic of China.

The two countries further celebrate the strength of its relationship with China’s support today of presenting 50,000 Sinopharm vaccines, 20,000 Rapid Antigen Test Kits, 21,000 disposal syringes, 50 tent units and financial humanitarian assistance of USD320,000 to the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

The consignment also includes the second shipment of Anti-Riot Gears, equipment and uniforms for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to assist the Police in carrying out its law and order mandate during this challenging time. The first shipment was delivered back in late December 2021.

The partnership is given in solidarity and with a “yumi tugeda” spirit of togetherness, echoing the global mantra that “no one is safe until everyone is safe”.

The medical supplies and assistance received by Solomon Islands from China supports the country’s efforts to halt the surge of the virus within our communities and isolate and eliminate the virus from our shores.

The two countries further agree to keep working together in tackling the pandemic with China’s consideration of an additional 300,000 Rapid Antigen Test Kits and the contribution of building a large tent field hospital.   

In response the Solomon Islands Government welcomed China’s provision of 1000 bags of rice, 300 cartons of tuna food to support vulnerable households during the pandemic.

Solomon Islands welcome the arrival of Chinese Technical and expertise team to further assess the National Referral Hospital (NRH) as part of the NRH improvement initiative, water and security needs of the country as we deepen cooperation with the goal of strengthening our collective preventive action to control and eliminate the pandemic and build quality lives in a secured environment for the people of Solomon Islands. 

Solomon Islands Government wish to use this platform to urge all nationals who are still unvaccinated to get vaccinated, it is the best protection and shield for our families, our country and ourselves against the onslaught of the virus. 

Solomon Islands recognize the support of all partners throughout COVID-19 preparedness and response phase and China in particular for the construction of the COVID-19 testing lab, isolation wards of NRH and supporting earlier shipments of vaccines and medical supplies.

The Solomon Islands Government takes this opportunity to acknowledge all security partners including China who have worked closely with the Government in maintaining security, law and order and continue to build up the capacity and capability of Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Solomon Islands once again thank China for the humanitarian assistance and commitment to keep building a strong resilient Solomon Islands with necessary infrastructure and security to allow peace, progress and prosperity to shape Solomon Islands future.  ENDS