The Government continues to reiterate that Provincial Governments have no authority to make any decision on foreign relations.
This is in response to the continuous sentiments uttered by the Malaita Provincial Executive in the Government’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
There is no power in the Provincial Government Act 1997 (“the PGA”) that allows any Province in Solomon Islands to make or take any stand on foreign relations.
This reminder was echoed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
“A Provincial Government is an agent of the National Government. Therefore, it implements the policies and programs of the National Government. The recognition of any Foreign Government is the prerogative of the National Government and the PGA specifically excludes this in the PGA.”
“However, this does not preclude Provincial Governments from establishing sister relationships with Provinces of other foreign states.
This must however be channeled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade”, the statement concluded.
ENDS////