19 Feb 2014

Solomon Islands closes Geneva office

4:50 pm on 19 February 2014

The Solomon Islands government has closed down the country's diplomatic mission in Geneva in Switzerland, reportedly due to a lack of funds to maintain its operation.

The Solomon Islands Star reports the action was taken at the end of last year, just two years after the mission was opened in September 2011.

The paper reports the decision had not been made public until the Solomon Star learnt of it this week.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who asked not to be named, confirmed the closure.

Solomon Islands currently has diplomatic offices in the United States, Europe, Cuba, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.