President Chen Shui-bian met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua and members of the prime minister's delegation on the morning of March 3 at the Presidential Office. On behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), President Chen extended a warm welcome to the visitors. He noted that Prime Minister Sikua took office in December and that this marks a fresh start and new hope for the people of the Solomon Islands. The president extended his congratulations to the prime minister.
President Chen said that this trip is the second overseas visit for Prime Minister Sikua since becoming prime minister. His first overseas journey took him to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The prime minister has chosen to visit Taiwan on his second trip abroad, which represents the importance and emphasis he places on the alliance between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands, President Chen said. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, and therefore Prime Minister Sikua's visit here bears historical significance, he said.
President Chen recalled that he led a delegation on a visit to the Solomon Islands in January 2005. That was the first time that a president from Taiwan had visited the Solomon Islands since the two countries established ties. The president said he was honored to have been invited to speak before the Solomon Islands Parliament, as that represented the first time that a foreign head of state delivered a speech before the body. President Chen said that the warm welcome he received from both members of the ruling and opposition parties left a deep impression on him. On February 1 of this year, Vice President Annette Lu served as his envoy and represented the government of Taiwan in visiting the Solomon Islands to personally congratulate Prime Minister Sikua on his inauguration. The visit also signified the dedication of the government and people of Taiwan to the alliance between the two nations, as well as the intention to continue to promote cooperative relations between the two countries, he said.
President Chen lauded Prime Minister Sikua as an expert in education. The prime minister has a strong academic background, having earned degrees in New Zealand and Australia, and possessing a doctorate in education. The president said this background has provided the prime minister a strong foundation to become the leader of his nation, adding that he believes this will benefit the young generation in the Solomon Islands. Increased emphasis will be placed on education and nurturing talent, which will help boost the national competitiveness of the Solomon Islands, he said.
In January this year, Prime Minister Sikua stressed in a national policy white paper that the alliance and substantive relations between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands will continue to be strengthened. President Chen expressed his appreciation for this stance. Meanwhile, each portion of a national defense white paper released in February that mentioned Taiwan was extremely important, including portions promoting a free trade agreement between the two countries, a labor agreement, best utilizing scholarships provided by Taiwan, and training-related projects. President Chen said he is confident that cooperation between the two countries will continue to be carried out smoothly and that Taiwan will serve as a force in contributing to the prosperity and progress of the Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Sikua thanked President Chen for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said that over the past quarter of a century, Taiwan has been the best friend of the Solomon Islands. He said Taiwan has provided assistance in many areas to aid in the social and economic development of his nation. The prime minister said that Taiwan has become one of the most important partners for his country in recent years and he attributes this to the attention provided by President Chen. Prime Minister Sikua reiterated his nation's intention to continue to develop cooperative relations with Taiwan and said he believes Taiwan is a sovereign nation that should receive equal treatment and recognition from the international community. The prime minister said the Solomon Islands will continue to assist Taiwan to win recognition in the international community.