23 March 2015
Australia welcomes discussions between the Solomon Islands Government and Malaita on economic growth.
Last week Australian High Commission Second Secretaries Lisa Chadderton and Ben O'Reilly accompanied Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to Auki to attend the Malaita Provincial Government policy launch.
The visit was an opportunity to hear what the national and provincial governments hope to achieve in Malaita and discuss how Australia can contribute.
Both governments outlined their commitment to economic and infrastructure development in Malaita, the most populous province.
The Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Byrne, said he was delighted that the high-level discussions had taken place.
"The Australian government supports economic growth and a strong private sector as a means to achieve greater prosperity in Solomon Islands. It's encouraging to see the national and provincial governments working together to encourage economic growth," said High Commissioner Byrne.
During the visit, Mr O'Reilly and Ms Chadderton also visited the Australian funded eye health clinic at Kilu’ufi Hospital, talked to Australian volunteers in Auki and surveyed infrastructure damage from Cyclone Pam.