Nice (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, France on June 9 (local time), the first high-level exchange between the two nations over years.
Laying stress on Vietnam’s policy of being a trusted friend and partner to all nations, PM Chinh said the country wishes to bolster friendship and cooperation with Pacific island countries, including the Solomon Islands, and formally invited PM Manele to visit Vietnam at the earliest opportunity.
PM Manele expressed his eagerness to visit Vietnam, describing it as a wonderful country from which the Solomon Islands could learn valuable development experience as it is working towards graduating from the category of the least developed countries.
He emphasised Vietnam's importance as a crucial market for trade and tourism development, voicing support for expanding people-to-people exchanges and visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens. Besides, he called on Vietnamese enterprises to invest in the Solomon Islands, pledging to create favourable conditions for them.
He took the occasion to extend an invitation to Vietnam to participate in the summit of Pacific island countries, an annual event that the Solomon Islands will host this year.
Both leaders concurred to strengthen political – diplomatic relations through delegation exchanges and expand collaboration in the areas of economy – trade – investment, agriculture, aquaculture, education, and tourism to bolster mutual understanding and connections between the two countries' people.
PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to support the Solomon Islands with human resources training and share socio-economic development experience.
The two PMs expressed strong interest in enhanced cooperation on marine environment protection and sustainable development. PM Chinh underscored Vietnam’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources, while sharing Vietnam's expertise in fisheries management and protection.
PM Manele praised Vietnam's efforts in marine conservation and proposed increased bilateral cooperation for information and technical exchange and mutual support in ocean- and marine-related projects.
They also exchanged notes on several regional and international issues of mutual interest, and agreed to promote coordination at regional and international forums as well as support each other's candidacies in international organisations./.
