Fiji’s new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Esala Teleni has presented his credentials to the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui at Government House in Honiara.

Teleni is the non-resident High Commissioner to Solomon Islands replacing his predecessor Romanu Tikotikoca.

Teleni says Fiji and Solomon Islands have shared many things in common and also have long standing diplomatic ties and cooperation both on the bilateral and existing multilateral and regional mechanisms.

He thanked Solomon Islands for its understanding and support towards Fiji during its recent transition towards democratic rule.

Governor General Sir Frank Kabui welcomed Teleni saying the relationship between Solomon Islands and Fiji went as far back as the black birding days when Solomon Islanders had been taken to work in the sugar plantations in Queensland and later in Fiji.

This was followed by the Second World War when Fijian soldiers fought in Bougainville and Solomon Islands which is now symbolized by a Fijian WWII Cemetery in Honiara.

Fijians also worked under the British Colonial Government then as doctors, teachers, the clergy and artisans.

In 2003, some Fijians returned as members of RAMSI to restore law and order in Solomon Islands.

Some had served in the Public Service then and few are still serving today.

Sir Frank says Solomon Islands has supported the promulgation of Fiji’s new Constitution under which Fiji is now being governed and did the same for the general election conducted under the new Constitution in 2014.

He says Solomon Islands is always willing to offer its assistance to High Commissioner Teleni wherever possible in carrying his duty during his term in office.

Teleni is based at the Fijian High Commission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.