President Ma Ying-jeou met with Solomon Islands Ambassador to the ROC Beraki Jino and Mrs. Jino at the Presidential Office on the morning of February 24. The president expressed his deepest appreciation to Ambassador Jino for the outstanding contributions he has made in promoting friendship and the alliance between the two countries during his six years here.
The president remarked that Ambassador Jino has spared no effort in promoting ties between the two countries during his tenure in Taiwan, which has helped solidify the bonds between the people of the two nations. President Ma specially noted that the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands passed a resolution expressing its concern for the damage caused by Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan last August. He added that the people of the Solomon Islands took substantive action to express their concern. For instance, Chief Stanley Tapeva of one of the nation's tribes, called for donations among his tribespeople, and a total of 1,000 Solomon Islands dollars was collected. The chief then traveled 200 kilometers by a sampan and handed the funds over to the ROC's technical mission stationed in the Solomon Islands. President Ma stressed that the amount of the donation was not important. What moved people, however, were the kind intentions of the people of the Solomon Islands, he said. The president reiterated his deepest appreciation on behalf of the ROC government and people.
President Ma furthermore said that since the two nations established formal diplomatic relations, the Solomon Islands has consistently spoken on behalf of the ROC in the international community. For instance, last year the Solomon Islands expressed its most resolute support for the ROC's participation in the World Health Assembly and entry into the Agreement on Government Procurement. He said the people of the ROC will always remember the action taken by the Solomon Islands on our behalf. President Ma added that he hopes the two nations in the future will continue to promote cooperation projects in the areas of alternative energies, agricultural cooperation and medical assistance.
President Ma noted that the Solomon Islands is the only diplomatic ally of the ROC in the South Pacific that he has visited. He said that he spent one evening in the nation's capital Honiara and was impressed by the beautiful scenery. The Solomon Islands is a place that saw key sea and land battles during World War II, the president said, adding that as a history buff, his travel there 13 years ago still remains fresh in his memory. President Ma said he hopes to have an opportunity in the future to relive the cultural and historical feel of the Solomon Islands.