In a statement through its Embassy in Honiara, President Chen Shui-bian, in congratulating the new government, said Taiwan will continue efforts to reinforce bilateral cooperation.

"Taiwan [is] delighted to see that the power transfer proceeded in a peaceful manner, and that the democratic spirit of the Solomon Islands was lifted to a higher level," he is quoted as stating.

The statement expressed its delight to see the new government's intention to working with Australia and New Zealand to offer assistance to Solomon Islands in the country's efforts to seek political and economic development, as well as stable social order.

"The government [looks forward] to working with Australia and New Zealand to offer assistance to the Solomon Islands in the country's efforts to seek political and economic development, as well as stable social order," the statement reads.

It added that the Foreign Ministry had recognized contributions the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) had made in the past 4 years to the restoration of law and order as well as stable social order in Solomon Islands.

The Ministry also expressed its desire to see RAMSI's continued cooperation with the Solomon Islands government to seek national security, social stability and economic development.