THE SOLOMON Islands 2016 Head of Mission and National Stakeholders Consultation aimed at strengthening the country’s engagement with the international community is currently underway at the Mendana Hotel.
The consultation was officially opened by the guest of Honour, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in front of High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Charge’ de Affaires of the country serving in various missions abroad who have all returned to attend the important consultations on Tuesday.
In his welcome remarks, the Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon Milner Tozaka said the theme of the consultation is “Strengthening Solomon Islands Engagement with the International Community” which falls precisely within the scope of the role of the country’s diplomatic missions as frontiers for Solomon Islands interest abroad.
He said the consultation would build on from the previous Head of Mission Consultation held in 2013.
Minister Tozaka said a number of key Ministries will be making presentations on various topics during the consultation.
He stressed that the presentation will help the Head of Missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to know issues that needs to be raised at the regional and international level in both bilateral and multilateral avenues.
Minister Tozaka said contributions from our High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Charge’ de Affaires with their wisdom and professionalism is highly recommended and a bonus for the first ever proposed foreign policy framework.
“You occupy very important position of responsibility in our respective missions abroad, collectively you are directly accountable for the promotion of our national interest in various countries you are accredited to.
“We expect knowledgeable advice from you on the finer details of our relationship and cooperation with the international community,” he said.
Minister Tozaka said the outcome of the consultation would set a course for the formulation of the first ever foreign policy framework for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the country as a whole.
He said the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) is fully supportive and expect to receive the complete document.
Minister Tozaka acknowledged the commitment by the Head of Missions and the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade for organizing the consultation programme.
The consultation brought in all of the Country’s Heads of Missions from New York, Havana, Brussels, Geneva, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Canberra, Suva, Wellington, Jakarta and Port Moresby.
The consultations will provide an opportunity for all the oversea missions together with the headquarter staff to review their foreign Policy engagements and operations to ensure their policies are current and up to date in meeting the overall foreign policies of the government.
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