SALUTATION:
- E Jose Ramos_Horta, President of the demoicratic republic of Timor Leste and special envoy of the g7plus;
- E. kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, OPrime Minister of the democratic Republic of Timor Leste and Eminent Person of g7plus;
- E Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor- Leste;
- Esteemed Government Ministers;
- E Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone- Chair of the Group of Seven Plus (g7plus for short);
- Ambassadors;
- High Level Officials of Partner countries and International Organizations;
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
At the outset, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and the People of Timor Leste for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to us since our arrival in your beautiful country.
Let me also use this opportunity to acknowledge the g7plus secretariat for all the efforts put into making arrangements for our smooth travels and short stay in Dili for the meeting.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as a member of this group, the g7plus, I will briefly share with you my country’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security as well as the aspirations we have for the future of this group.
As a post-conflict country, achieving long- lasting peace is a priority that is highly valued across all levels within Solomon Islands Societies. So much have changed since the ethnic crises which we have encountered years prior to the 21st century. The law and order situation is still fragile, even after years of progressive efforts put into rebuilding and/ or restoring peace and security in the Country. So far Australia and Papua New Guinea have been the closest neighbors whom we have been relying on in terms of interventions in the security space. The challenge of fragility, had exposed Solomon Islands, not only to the scars of the past but an opportunity to find meaningful cooperation with countries around the world, whom we share similar pasts. Therefore, despite the challenges faced then, now and into the future ahead of us, but having friends within the region is a blessing as far as the security of our citizens is concerned.
Excellencies, addressing the findings and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report (TRC Report, 2012) was put on hold during the covid-19 pandemic, as our already limited Government resources were diverted towards protecting our country and our people during the pandemic. Thankfully, our efforts have proven successful. Solomon Islands was amongst the last countries in the pacific to have been hit by covid-19.
Excellencies, even with the delays due to factors beyond our control and the slow progress encountered over the years, the commitment by the government of Solomon Islands to achieve long lasting peace still remains a priority. Our National Peace Building Policy is our guide towards achieving the goals outlined in the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035.
Solomon Islands aims at obtaining economic empowerment and long-term peace and security. These are two interwoven pillars we believe will help us achieve the 5 goals of the g7plus. Achieving these goals are vital as they provide the foundation of inclusive political settlement and conflict resolution; strengthening security; enhancing access to justice; ensuring employment security; and enhancing governance and effective service delivery.
Furthermore ladies and gentlemen, as a committed member of this group, the g7plus, I am honored to confirm that Solomon Islands is working towards concluding the ratification process of the g7plus charter. Solomon Islands values the engagements with the g7 plus member states as it offers the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and lessons in post- conflict resolutions and long- term peace building, the solidarity to amplify and affirm our lessons and experiences as valid empirical evidences, the access to secretarial capacity to analyse and provide research support and promote peace and sustainable development within member countries.
Finally, let me conclude by reiterating the phrase “no man is an Island”. Solomon Islands values its engagements with the g7plus. We believe that member countries and / or Partner organizations enables the g7plus to effectively position itself on the global landscape to amplify and emphasize our country-specific context, which can impact global views on critical issues like state fragility, state building, democracy, aid, and development. Excellencies, Solomon Islands appreciates all the contributions by our development partners, including the experiences shared through this g7plus platform and congratulates all the members of g7plus for the commitment in ensuring that the group still stands today.
Thank you tumas!!
Thank you very much!!