The prime minister of Solomon Islands says China has extended its hands to his country.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during an official visit in China. Photo: Facebook / Prime Minister Press Secretariat PI
Manasseh Sogavare this week returned from his first trip to China since diplomatic ties opened last month.
Five memorandums of understanding were signed, including an agreement for Beijing's 'Belt and Road initiative'.
Solomon Islands gained a lot from talks with officials including President Xi Jinping, Mr Sogavare said.
"It was an opportunity for me to receive first hand the global integration of China's provinces with the international economic system. The delegation also met selected Chinese private sector and explored economic and trade opportunities."
Mr Sogavare said the state-owned China Rail had agreed to invest in Solomon Islands after talks.
Among the MOUs were agreements on economic and technical cooperation, education and a partnership between Guangdong province and Solomon Islands provinces, said Mr Sogavare. Solomon Islands would soon set up a diplomatic mission in Beijing, he added.
Mr Sogavare also defended China's protections of religious freedoms, saying his trip included a visit to a church on Sabbath.
"There is freedom of worship in the People's Republic of China."