The Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Thursday officially signed an agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for ordinary passports holders from both countries to travel freely.
The signing ceremony between Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, and PRC Ambassador Cai Weiming, marks another milestone in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The signed visa-free framework will positively capture a slice of China’s 130 million tourists to visit the Solomon Islands as a destination of choice.
“The signing of the agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for ordinary passports holders signifies the deepening and growing people-to-people and cultural relations between our two states within five years,” said Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
In 2022, Manele in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs signed a similar Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Service Passports, allowing for smooth and easy travel by officials from the two countries.
The latest agreement now allows ordinary citizens from both countries to travel freely, learn about each other’s cultures, and promote greater understanding and respect among people.
Manele conveyed his deepest appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the speed at which they have responded to the Solomon Islands’ request to initiate reciprocal visa exemptions.
This continues to demonstrate the PRC’s commitment to enhancing strategic communication and deepening cooperation in various fields with the Solomon Islands to ensure the steady progress of the bilateral ties and bring more benefits to the two countries.
Prime Minister Manele pledged the Solomon Islands’ continued commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, which has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other Pacific Island countries.
“We will continue to reaffirm our commitment to the one-China principle and our readiness to keep closer high-level exchanges with China,” the Prime Minister stated.
Manele is confident that this agreement will pave the way for greater cooperation and understanding and fostering increased exchange between the two countries for many years to come.
