The Solomon Islands Government has announced that it is ready to welcome the President of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan, Her Excellency Tsai Ing-wen and her delegation to Honiara next week.
As statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today confirms that President Tsai Ing-wen will arrive on Wednesday the 1st of November before departing on Friday the 3rd.
In Honiara, she will meet with the Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to exchange opinions on bilateral relations and issues of international importance.
Tsai will use this opportunity, as well as speeches she is scheduled to make in Parliament in Honiara to promote Taiwan's steadfast diplomacy, as well as offer assistance on its allies' attainment of sustainable development goals.
A Government Committee overseeing arrangements for the visit says preparations are well underway for the President’s visit.
“As is the case during the visit of such foreign dignitaries, the RSIPF will mount an operation involving several hundred officers to provide security during the visit of the ROC President,” says Commissioner of Police, Matthew Varley.
“The RSIPF operation will include police officers from Honiara City, Guadalcanal Province, Police Traffic, Police Maritime, National Intelligence Department, Close Personal Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Device team, Police Response Team and other departments within the Force,” says Commissioner Varley
The Operation will include traffic escorts, security at the visiting dignitaries’ accommodation, and personal escort for the VIPS and high visibility patrols in and around Honiara.
“As a result of this operation the residents of Honiara will experience some delays on our roads as the ROC President and her delegation attend to their various appointments at various venues in the country. Police appeal to the public for your patience,” says Commissioner Varley.
In addition, Chairman of the Government Organising Committee, Mr. John Wasi said the security measures are necessary to ensure movement during the President’s visit is smooth and respectable.
Tsai's delegation will include Presidential Office Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee, Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Icyang Parod, and various legislators.
Six of Taiwan's 20 formal diplomatic allies are in the Pacific, including Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati and Palau.
President Tsai is also scheduled to visit the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.