PM MANELE HELD BILATERAL MEETING WITH JAPAN’S PM
Prime Minister honorable Jeremiah Manele has held bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio on Wednesday this week.
In the talks, Prime Minister acknowledged the bilateral relationship with Japan which went back to some 46 years ago.
PM Manele maintained that Solomon Islands valued its relation with Japan and will continue to ensure it grows from strength to strength.
Prime Minister made a number of acknowledgements for Japan’s assistances in various areas such as the Kukum Highway Project with a total value of SBD 243 million, the international airport with a value of SBD 300 million- a project that has given a new facelift to the Henderson international airport.
PM Manele further acknowledged Japan’s on- going assistance in the clearing of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) and also Japan’s help in human resources development.
The Prime Minister expressed Solomon Islands interest to engage in reciprocal visa arrangement for ordinary passport holders, adding that this will further strengthen people to people relationship.
In response, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan underscored that Japan is committed to establish Fisheries Research Center in collaboration with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
PM Fumio further made an assurance that Japan is keen to undertake the work on upgrading the Kilufi hospital in Malaita Province and that a signing of agreement for that project will take place this week as well.
Prime Minister Fumio assured PM Manele that Japan is considering the issuing of ordinary visa for both diplomatic and ordinary passport holders- an area of close cooperation.
In the release of treated water into the Pacific Ocean, PM Fumio further assured Prime Minister Manele that Japan is working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in discharging the treated water using Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS).
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio further underscored that Japan will assist the government’s 100 days program- citing that it is a commitment.
Meanwhile earlier in the day, Minister of Foreign Affairs has attended the JICA kizuna where leaders of JICA promoted the work of JICA in the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Manele also attended the Economic Forum in the mid-morning, a space for more collaboration and cooperation between Japan and Pacific Island Countries.
The PALM 10 meeting proper is a one day event and it takes place on Thursday this week.
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– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT