SOLOMON Islands and China will discuss expanded cooperation this week, a fortnight after Australia signaled its intention to take a greater role in regional defence.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela is on an official visit to China to discuss cooperation in agriculture, education, technology, skills development and renewable energy.
Houenipwela has held talks with Jiangsu Vice Governor Zhao Yan and senior foreign affairs officials.
The discussions centred on strengthening practical cooperation between Solomon Islands and Jiangsu, particularly in areas that support economic development and human capacity building.
During the visit, Minister Houenipwela also met representatives from Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd (FHNED) to explore possible cooperation in renewable energy-powered seawater desalination projects for Solomon Islands.
Houenipwela will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao to discuss the future direction of Solomon Islands-China relations and opportunities for greater cooperation.
