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Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands: More relief assistance from Taiwan

By Silas Lilo

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is committed to the ongoing relief assistance to the victims of the April earthquake and tsunami.

Taiwan Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. George Chan made this commitment on his speech during the hand over ceremony of three container of relief supplies to the Chairman of National Disaster Council Mr Fred Fakarii and to Mr Rence Sore the Secretary to Prime Minister at the Ports Authority wharf yesterday.

On his speech he said the Government and the people of Taiwan have shown their pity and love for the people who were suffered from the earthquake and tsunami last April in the Western and Choiseul by donating this three container.

These containers contain clothes such as one container contain female wears total to 25,378 pieces in 533 cartons and two other container for male about 15,536 pieces in 644 carton which cost SBD$2.7 million, he said.

He said this container are proudly donated by Yugen Company Ltd, this company owned a by Taiwanese based in Japan.

The company also provided partial sea transportation expenses and also various assistances.

The arrangement for the shipment of the relief supplies started on Septermber.

Mr Chan said making the arrangement for the delivery of the three containers took three months.

this was not essay by which going through proper consultation with the Government of Solomon Island he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chan also took the moment to clarify Taiwan's position regarding the present political turmoil that has kept the country in suspence for the past two weeks.

Mr Chan said Taiwan is very clear interms of not involving in this political crises. And the relief supplies was also presented without favour.

"The main motive of this relief was to show the commitment of Taiwan Government in relates to its relationship with the Solomon Islands Government", he said.

In responed the Secretary to Prime Minister Rence Sore thanked the Taiwanese Ambassador and the Taiwan community in Solomon Island for their support in giving the gifts.

He said it is the policy of the Government to improve the welfare of the common and ordinary people in Solomon Islands. Therefore the gifts would be more helpful in enhancing this policy and would be never forgotten in the hearts of Solomon Islanders.

"This gifts signify the continued relationship of the Government of Taiwan with the Government of Solomon Islands", he said.