Taiwan Navy Boats Make Goodwill Visit To Solomons

Taiwan Navy Boats Will Make A Goodwill Visit To Solomon Islands

Taiwanese Navy Midshipmen Cruising Training Squadron led by Commander Rear Admiral Wang, Neng-an will be arriving in Honiara on Friday morning 20 April for a four-day friendship visit.

The Embassy of Taiwan and its counterparts will jointly arrange a welcome ceremony at the Point Cruz Wharf.

In a statement from the Taiwan Embassy in Honiara William Hsu saidP: “The Squadron comprises two frigates, Kang-Ding and Ten-Dan, with 579 Navy officers, sailors and midshipmen on board, and will sail more than 10,000 miles, take 46 days of cruising training and visit at least five countries in the Asia Pacific region.

“This is the Squadron’s seventh visit to Honiara since 1984. The visit will not only shorten the geographic distance between these Asia Pacific allies, but also bring the peoples together for closer friendship and cultural exchanges.

“The Taiwan Navy sympathizes with the losses of lives and properties inflicted by the recent earthquake and tsunami, and will donate bags of rice and cartons of food to the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society for further disbursing to the affected areas.
Mr. Hsu said Ambassador George Chan would accompany Commander Wang and his senior staff to call on Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena and Hon Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare after the donation ceremony at the wharf.

He said on Friday afternoon 20 April, Hon. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Ambassador George Chan and Commander Wang would jointly officiate the navy show at the Lawson Tama stadium.

The Taiwan Navy will demonstrate guards of honor, music bands, and martial arts. Admission is free of charge to the stadium show. Everyone is welcome.

The battleships will be open for the public’s visit from Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 16:00 pm with introduction of the Squadron, display of military models and navy weapons onboard before leaving Solomon Islands on Monday morning, 23 April for other countries.

ENDS