Regional leaders attend opening of Pacific Games in Solomon Islands

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare hosted regional leaders who arrived for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

According to an official statement, the reception was attended by Governor-General of Australia David J Hurley, President of the Republic of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr., Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea James Marape, and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng.

“On behalf of the people of Solomon Islands, I thank you,” said Sogavare while speaking at the reception on Tuesday evening.

An impressive opening ceremony of the biggest regional games was held on Sunday which was attended by thousands of people at the Games Stadium, built with funds from China.

The 2023 Pacific Games are one of the biggest sports events in the region, bringing together around 5,000 athletes, officials, and support staff from 24 Pacific nations from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2. The cost to host the games is around $250 million.

China is the major sponsor that funded around 80% of facilities used for the games, according to a statement, published on the official government website.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid