The Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Unitech, in Lae, Papua New Guinea, has re-affirmed its commitment to support the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) with its training needs and requirements.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology in Lae, Dr Misty Baloiloi, made the comments when he met with the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E Bernard Bata'anisia, during the High Commissioner's visit to the University in Lae last week.

The Vice Chancellor added that the University of Technology, which is one of the two oldest institution of higher learning in Papua New Guinea, is proud to be associated with the Government and people of Solomon Islands for over 30 years in educating and training Solomon Islands students, particularly in the areas of engineering, science, business and other technical fields.

He added that it is pleasing to note that Solomon Islands Graduates of the University of Technology in the past are now holding senior and responsible positions in the Government, Private Sector, and Business community in Solomon Islands. He further added that the University will continue to assist the Solomon Islands Government with its training needs and requirements.

The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E Bernard Bata'anisia, conveyed the Solomon Islands Government sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University of Technology for valuable assistance provided in training and educating Solomon Islands students over the years.

He added that the University of Technology has the largest enrolment of Solomon Islands students in Papua New Guinea and for this the Solomon Islands Government is grateful.

The Solomon Islands High Commissioner later presented a cheque of K638,716.00 (SBD$1.85 Million), being the tuition fees of Solomon Islands students studying at the University for 2009.

Following his meeting with the Vice Chancellor and senior staff, the High Commissioner met with the Solomon Islands students studying at the University and later toured the campus. Currently, there are seventy one (71) Solomon Islands students studying at the University.