Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Malaysia, Victor Ngele has been commissioned on Friday, promising to render undivided loyalty to the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
Mr Ngele will leave the country on May 31st to be in charge of Solomon Islands newly opened mission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Ngele has previously served as Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia in Canberra and Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Taipei.
During the Commissioning ceremony, Sir Frank has charged Mr Ngele with the foremost task of representing and promoting the interest of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country that he is accredited.
Sir Frank told Mr Ngele that the Government and people of Solomon Islands expect him to provide sound advice and deliberation on all political, economic, social and cultural matters during his tenure of office.
“At no time should these be compromised by personal interests and forms of persuasions. Your full commitment is therefore expected,” Sir Frank said.
The Solomon Islands High Commission Office in Kuala Lumpur is the link between Solomon Islands and the Government of Malaysia and will be the safe haven for Solomon Islanders in times of need.
Sir Frank also reminded Mr Ngele of the high costs of maintaining diplomatic missions overseas and has encouraged him to exercise cost saving measures that will not compromise the effective discharge of his duties.
“Striking a balance between the effective discharge of your mission and minimizing costs require tact and diplomacy,” Sir Frank said.
In his response, Mr Ngele affirmed his personal commitment to render undivided loyalty to the Government and people of Solomon Islands as he prepares to take on responsibilities as High Commissioner to Malaysia.
He said his foremost task is to develop and enhance strong and mutually beneficial relations with Malaysia and selected countries in Asia and to protect and defend the sovereignty and security interests of Solomon Islands citizens.
“I will attempt to serve with utmost integrity, accountability and a high sense of probity and transparency, both at official and personal level, ensuring that the High Commission lives within its means and from time to time duly avail its premises as refuge and home to all Solomon Islanders when in genuine need of assistance,” Mr Ngele said.
In 2011, the NCRA Government decided to open a mission in Malaysia to implement its “Look North Policy” to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation for mutual benefits with countries in the Asian region.
In that connection, Kuala Lumpur is the most appropriate choice given its strategic location as a regional hub as well as its importance and potential to Solomon Islands in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and agriculture cooperation in Oil Palm development.
The choice is further supported by current revelation that there are about 165 Malaysian businesses or companies registered and operating in Solomon Islands, generating most needed employment opportunities and contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.
The High Commission in Malaysia will work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, relevant Ministries and Agencies in Solomon Islands to identify and enhance cooperation with Malaysia and other selected countries in Southeast Asia on trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, mining, education and others.
The High Commission will also serve as a conduit and an important link in fostering positive and mutually beneficial diplomatic and bilateral relations between the two countries for long term peace, prosperity and security.
Press Release, GCU