MINISTER for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Samuel Manetoali is ready to sign a Bilateral Meteorology Cooperation with the Republic of China (Taiwan) Central Weather Bureau.

Hon Manetoali made the announcement from the Moroccan Capital, Marrakech, where he is attending the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) or COP22.

The Minister and his delegation which comprises his Permanent Secretary, Dr Melchior Mataki, Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Colin Beck and officials from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology today held bilateral discussions with the Taiwanese delegation at the margins of the global climate summit.

The dialogue focussed on the finalisation of Taiwan’s meteorological support to Solomon Islands.

Minister Manetoali welcomed Taiwan’s positive response to strengthening Solomon Islands meteorological services through capacity building, research and development of climate and weather applications, enhanced observations and exchange of data and information.

The two delegations agreed to sign the bilateral Meteorology Memorandum of Understanding in the first quarter of 2017.

Minister Manetoali also took the opportunity to thank Taiwan for its ongoing bilateral support to Solomon Islands and assured the Taiwanese delegation of Solomon Islands continued support in calling for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UNFCCC process