His Excellency Anthony Makabo, the first High Commissioner of the Solomon Islands to the Republic of India, presented his credentials to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on Friday, 6th September 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
This Credential Ceremony completes all necessary diplomatic procedures, allowing H.E. Anthony Makabo to formally engage with key Indian dignitaries, including the Vice President, Ministers of External Affairs, the Foreign Secretary, the Chief Minister of Delhi, the Lt. Governor of Delhi, and other high-level officials of the host country.
The event marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic and bilateral relations between the governments of India and the Solomon Islands. During the bilateral session, President Murmu congratulated H.E. Anthony Makabo on becoming the first Solomon Islands High Commissioner to be stationed in New Delhi, following the establishment of the new mission in 2023. She also commended the friendly relations and ongoing cooperation between India and the Solomon Islands.
H.E. Anthony Makabo conveyed the greetings of His Excellency, the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, to President Murmu on behalf of the government and the people of the Solomon Islands.
He expressed his appreciation to the government and people of India for their continued support and assistance in various fields, including health and medicine, education, and information technology, as well as logistical support for the Pacific Games 2023 and financial aid for the Solomon Islands National University Forestry Campus Relocation Project.
He further acknowledged India's commitment and pledges made during the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in 2023 and reiterated the Solomon Islands government's intent to fully utilize these opportunities in the future.
In his concluding remarks, High Commissioner Makabo assured President Murmu that his primary objective as the first High Commissioner to India is to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. He pledged to work closely with the Indian Government and its relevant authorities to advance the development aspirations of the Solomon Islands.
Source: Press Release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade