Turkey Determined to Enhance Ties with Solomon Islands

Turkey Determined to Enhance Ties with Solomon Islands

The new Turkish Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E. Reha Keskintepe has announced his country’s determination to enhance ties with Solomon Islands as steps are being taken for the two countries to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fulfill the interest.

Mr Keskintepe has presented his letter of credence to the Acting Governor General, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer at Government House Friday last week.

“Turkey is determined to enhance and strengthen the friendly ties as well as cooperation with Solomon Islands. Turkey is ready to sign MOU’s with Solomon Islands to further develop our relations in every field,” the Turkish diplomat said.

In April 2008, Turkey hosted a meeting of Pacific Islands Foreign Affairs Ministers in Istanbul which brought together Turkey and Pacific Islands Officials for the first time in an international setting.

It was at this forum that the Turkish Government stated clearly its desire to strengthen its relations and cooperation with the Pacific Island States including Solomon Islands.

As a manifestation of this pledge, a delegation of the Turkish International Development Agency (TIKA) has accompanied Mr Keskintepe on his visit to Honiara last week.

“Their presence is testimony to my country’s determination to contribute to the development of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Welcoming Mr Keskintepe to Solomon Islands, Sir Albert Palmer said he was pleased to note the first ever visit of officials from the Turkish International Development Cooperation Agency (TIKA) to Solomon Islands.

“This will no doubt elevate our bilateral relations to a new level. As a developing country, Solomon Islands welcome the initiative by Turkey to assist us in our endeavor to develop our island nation and look forward to strengthening the diplomatic ties that we currently enjoy,” Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert added that as members of the United Nations, Solomon Islands like Turkey share the common principles of justice, international law, human rights and peaceful means in settling disputes or situations which might lead to breaches of peace and security.

ENDS

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