Solomon Islands and Japan have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to strengthening cooperation in key development and strategic areas.
This was done during a bilateral meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Peter Kenilorea Jr., and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwao Horii, on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Minister Houenipwela welcomed Japan’s continued support for Solomon Islands and said the new Government was focused on strengthening engagement with its traditional development partners.
He described Japan as a longstanding friend and important development partner of Solomon Islands.
The meeting discussed cooperation in education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, as well as regional and international issues.
Minister Horii reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities and said Japanese experts would continue working with relevant Solomon Islands authorities, including through the country’s education task force.
Japan will also explore opportunities to support Solomon Islands’ aviation sector, including airport infrastructure and terminal development.
Minister Kenilorea highlighted the importance of reliable airport infrastructure to the country’s long-term economic development, connectivity and national resilience.
He said the Government was looking at airport infrastructure that could meet Solomon Islands’ needs over the next 30 years, including improvements to terminals, runways and, where necessary, aircraft parking facilities.
The meeting also welcomed Japan’s support for football development in Solomon Islands, including its recent donation of footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation.
The two sides discussed opportunities for Japanese technical expertise to support coaching and the further development of football in Solomon Islands.
Regional cooperation was another key area of discussion, including Japan’s engagement with the Pacific through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) process.
Minister Horii sought Solomon Islands’ support for Japan’s participation in the evolving regional architecture and highlighted Japan’s interest in being recognised as a Strategic Partner.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional peace and security, including developments affecting the Pacific Ocean.
Japan emphasised the importance of maintaining the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace” and keeping dialogue and communication open among countries.
Minister Kenilorea reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to its longstanding friendship with Japan and said the Government looked forward to deeper engagement and practical cooperation.
Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and work together to strengthen the Solomon Islands–Japan partnership and deliver tangible development outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands.
By Ronald Toito’ona, deputy press secretary, Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
