The Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, His Excellency Song Zhiyong paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka on Friday (29th November 2024).
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) is a ministry-level organ, responsible for the national civil aviation affairs of China.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka welcomed the Administrator and his delegation by acknowledging the ongoing support Solomon Islands has received from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).
He stressed that the visit by the Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, His Excellency Song Zhiyong will strengthen the special relationship and carry out the commitment made by our two countries for the extension of the Honiara International airport runway, as well as a reconstruction of a bigger airport terminal.
Last week, the Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Frederick Kologeto signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the visiting Administrator, one on traffic rights arrangements and another between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation for cooperation in the field of civil aviation.
Minister Agovaka expressed optimism about the partnership, noting China’s position as one of the largest markets for civil aerospace and aviation services globally.
He said Solomon Islands is hopeful for the immense opportunities this cooperation will bring to the nation.
In addition to these agreements, Solomon Islands Government recently signed a mutual visa exemption agreement with the PRC, allowing ordinary passport holders from both countries to travel visa-free.
Minister Agovaka remarked that these developments pave the way flights between Solomon Islands and China.
He highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating, “With over 128 million Chinese tourists traveling abroad in 2024, even attracting a fraction of this market could have a transformative impact on our national economy.”
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–MFAET PRESS RELEASE.
