Czech Republic keen to broaden ties with Solomon Islands

The new Czech Republic’s non-resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Martin Pohl says he is keen to broaden ties with Solomon Islands when he met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Tuesday.

At a brief courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister, Ambassador Pohl said he is prepared to explore areas that the two countries can cooperate on to enhance the deepen the existing relations.

Ambassador Pohl singled out cooperation in education and health as immediate priority areas that the two Governments’ can further explore in the current relations.

“My government is ready to take on what is necessary to ensure our cooperation is deepened,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed the Czech diplomat with an assurance that relations between the two countries are based on fundamental principles and common values of respect for the rule of law and human rights.

He said Solomon Islands has its own unique developmental challenges as well as opportunities which can be addressed or further developed through cooperation with other countries.

Prime Minister Sogavare referred to Climate Change as one of the fundamental challenges facing the Pacific Region while reiterating the Pacific’s call for a reduction in green house gas emissions around the world.

“We truly treasured that we have lived in one of the peaceful corners of the world but our biggest threat is climate change,” Sogavare said.

Solomon Islands established formal diplomatic ties with the Czech Republic in 1996.

Solomon Islands did not receive direct bilateral assistance from the Czech Republic, however in 2007, the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Karel Pazourek based in Canberra, Australia paid a courtesy visit to Solomon Islands and presented a donation totaling to AUD 23,544 (SBD 166,162) to the government towards the Tsunami relief efforts.

The Czech Republic’s contribution to Solomon Islands can be seen through the assistance provided by the European Union under the European Development Fund (EDF)

The Czech Republic as a member of the European Union is fully committed to sustainable development.

Support in this area is channeled through multilateral mechanism such as the European Union; however Solomon Islands can explore this bilaterally with the Czech Republic in the areas such as support to green economy and Renewable Energy.

Ambassador Pohl is based in Canberra, Australia.


SOURCE: SIG