The Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Sam Iduri, commended leaders and the people of Malaita for pursuing an inter-provincial reconciliation with Guadalcanal province.
The two provinces were directly involved in the recent armed social unrest from 1998 to 2003.Speaking at last week's Malaita Leaders' Peace and Reconciliation Summit, Mr Iduri said the positive response from Malaitans showed their commitment to the inter-provincial reconciliation and healing process between people of the two provinces.
"Throughout human history, we witness that our human will to survive rises above all our struggles, challenges and brokenness and that the choice and determination to reconcile and forgive one another is critically important to our continued co-existence as one united Solomon Islands," he said.
Mr Iduri said the Malaita Peace and Reconciliation Committee, the Malaita Provincial Government, and community-based organizations have played an important leadership role in implementing the National Government's policy on peace-building and reconciliation in Malaita and the nation as a whole.
"The government recognizes your magnificent work in reconciliation amongst our people and commends you for the initiatives taken and in owning the reconciliation processes.
"In a lot of cases you have taken proactive stance and not waiting for the national government to do everything all the time," the Minister said.
The Minister concluded by saying that building the reconciliation bridge to sustainable peace requires initiative, commitment, and ownership through sacrifice, time and resources.