The new Solomon Islands Government says it recognises the long-drawn air services impasse issue with the Fijian Government and places it on priority to be addressed and resolved amicably.

In a statement issued to the Solomons Star, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade says any meeting with the Fijian Government on the issue will have to be properly planned.

It has also denied reports published in the Solomons Star that a government delegation has been dispatched to Fiji to resolve the impasse.

“Neither the ministry nor authorities in Fiji are aware of a meeting led by the Minister of Communications nor Aviation to have discussions with Fiji authorities regarding the issue, as referred to in the paper,” it said in a statement.

“Any meetings to discuss the issue will have to be channeled through the ministry and the Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva to inform the Fiji side in good time.

“A date has to be mutually agreed to between the two sides.

“The new government does recognise this long-drawn air services impasse issue and places on priority to be addressed and resolved amicably with Fiji.

“It has been briefed on the issue, but it has not dispatched any delegation yet as reported,” the statement said.

It added officials will undertake further internal consultations during the coming days before seeking a meeting at an appropriate level with the Fiji side after the New Year.

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