BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE fruitful outcome of China and Solomon Islands cooperation projects is tangible and visible, according to the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands.
His Excellency, Mr. Li Ming when delivering his keynote address at the recent handing over of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project held at the Sports City, east of Honiara on August 18, expressed that there are no political conditions attached to it.
“The only purpose is to help, promote, and share a better future for both China and the Solomon Islands and for every country in the region.
“The stadium is the best gift from the government and people of China (PRC) to the government and people of the Solomon Islands.
“After today’s (18 August 2023) handing over, the Pacific Games Stadium will belong to the people of the Solomon Islands.
“It is a world-class stadium and a symbol of friendship between China and the Solomon Islands,’’ His Excellency Mr. Li Ming.
He added that the national stadium is the historic material of the joint effort of the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“The Belt and Road initiative has received popular support worldwide,’’ said the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, or B&R), known within China as the One Belt One Road or OBOR is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations. It is considered a centrepiece of the Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s foreign policy, according to Wikipedia.
He noted that the Pacific Games Stadium would not only enhance the infrastructure in the Solomon Islands but also echo the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative.
“It symbolizes connectivity for regional and national sports events, and it also helped further the mutual understanding between countries around the region to achieve more connectivity and make it more viable between civilizations and countries. China fully supports the Solomon Islands in hosting the XVII Pacific Games in 2023.
“China also helped build the athlete’s village, which is expected to be handed over to the government and people of Solomon Islands in the next two months,’’ he said.
He also highlighted that China is also helping to train 80 coaches and athletes from the Solomon Islands in China.
“Please be assured that they are well looked after and are now undergoing very intensive and professional training in China,’’ he said.
