SOLOMON Islands have missed out on a lot of potentially viable opportunities for maritime service department.

This was revealed in parliament yesterday by the Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Christian Laore.

Mr Laore said of over 20 important sessions or workshops of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that occurred annually, Solomon Islands delegates only attended an average of two a year.

“This is implying that Solomon Islands therefore miss out on a lot of potentially viable opportunities for maritime service department.

“IMO of which we are member of based in London, this is a very important organisation that governs maritime affairs globally, including the maritime safety and conduct.

“As an island country we attached very significant to the work and jurisdictional purview and roles of the IMO,” he said.

Mr Laore said the establishment of office in London and its accreditation with IMO will definitely bolster Solomon Islands collaboration and work with IMO on programmes to develop maritime safety.

“It is a greater opportunity to create greater cooperation with the UK,” he adds.

Mr Laore said in the past, Solomon Islands used to have an Honorary Consul to the UK who also serve as a representative to the UK, however the appointment was ceased in the late 1990.

He highlighted that in a recent meeting with senior IMO officials, including the outgoing Director General it was identified that distance is a factor between IMO and Solomon Islands, and the cost of bringing people over close collaboration with the programme is an issue.

The Supervising Minister told parliament yesterday that work on establishing Solomon Islands diplomatic mission in London, United Kingdom is now in its final stage.