The new High Commissioner of Solomon Islands to Australia, H.E Mr. Collin David Beck presented his Letters of Introduction to the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Malcolm Turnbull yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister, in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Building, in Sydney.
His Excellency Mr. Beck is Career diplomat who began his service with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade in 1988, making him one of Solomon Islands most experienced and seasoned diplomats.
Prior to his new appointment as High Commissioner to Australia, H.E Mr. Beck served as Solomon Islands Permanent Representative at the United Nations from November 2003 until August this year. He also served as Counsellor to the Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the European Union in the 1990s.
H. E Mr. Beck conveyed sincere greetings from Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Hon Manasseh Sogavare, the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
High Commissioner Beck highlighted Australia’s strategic proximity to Solomon Islands is an advantage that must be utilized. Plans to connect sub-marine cables from Sydney to Solomon Islands can enhance trade between the two countries.
H.E Mr. Beck acknowledged and thank Australia’s role and support for RAMSI and the ongoing draw-down process. H.E Beck conveyed to Prime Minister Turnbull Solomon Islands Government’s intension to host an event to mark the closing of the regional assistance to Solomon Islands. It will be an opportunity for Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Government and people to convey their appreciation to all participating countries leaders. . H.E. Mr.Beck hope Hon Turnbull’s will be able to be in Solomon Islands for the occasion. Prime Minister Sogavare will be issuing an invitation to the event.
Prime Minister Hon. Turnbull expressed, Australia remains committed to its engagements with Solomon Islands, and hope bilateral relations between the two countries will reach new heights during his tenure. Prime Minister Turnbull also stated that he looks forward to host Prime Minister Sogavare, when he visits Australia as guest of the Government next year.
Mr. Beck takes up postings as High Commission after his predecessor the late Mr. Beraki Jino was appointed to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, in 2014.
His Excellency Beck holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Queensland, a Foreign Services Certificate from Oxford University and a bachelor’s degree in administration and political science from the University of the South Pacific.