Tozaka Thanks New Zealand for Support to Solomon Islands

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

MEDIA RELEASE 15-07-15-GH

Tozaka Thanks New Zealand for Support to Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Milner Tozaka has thanked the New Zealand Government for its ongoing support towards Solomon Islands under its bilateral aid programme.

Minister Tozaka expressed the Solomon Islands Government’s gratitude when he met with his New Zealand counterpart, Hon. Murray McCully at the margins of the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Sydney Thursday last week.

At the meeting, Minister McCully congratulated Minister Tozaka on his appointment as Solomon Islands Foreign Minister.

Minister Tozaka also thanked his counterpart for the contribution rendered by New Zealand towards RAMSI over the past 12 years.

The two Ministers also discussed a number of bilateral issues including the New Zealand development aid to Solomon Islands under the New Zealand–Solomon Islands Joint Commitment for Development, the RAMSI drawdown strategy, Labour mobility under the Regional Seasonal Employment (RSE) Scheme, tourism opportunities in the Solomon Islands and enhanced development cooperation and political dialogue between both countries.

Minister Tozaka also highlighted the development priorities of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG).

Minister McCully reiterated that New Zealand is committed to assist Solomon Islands in its development aspirations and is looking forward to visit Solomon Islands later in the year.

He also extended an invitation for Minister Tozaka to visit New Zealand. Minister Tozaka welcomed the announcement made by Minister McCully to visit Solomon Islands and noted the invitation by Minister McCully and is looking forward to visit New Zealand later during the year.

Minister Tozaka was in Sydney last week to attend the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. He was accompanied by the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr Joseph Ma’ahanua and the Assistant Secretary for Pacific and Regional Organisation Branch, Mr Cornelius Walegerea.

ENDS///

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