PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has expressed Solomon Islands interest in establishing a reciprocal visa arrangement with Hapan for ordinary passport-holders, saying this will further strengthen the people-to-people relations between the two countries.
PM Manele articulated this in his bilaterial meeting with his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio at the margins of the 10th Japan Pacific Allies Leaders Summit in the Japanese Capital, Tokyo on Wednesday.
Prime Minister acknowledged Solomon Islands bilateral relationship with Japan which started since Solomon Islands attainment of nationhood in 1978.
PM Manele maintained that Solomon Islands valued its relation with Japan and will continue to ensure it grows from strength to strength.
He said the people-to-people relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan will be further strengthened by the proposed reciprocal visa arrangement for ordinary passport holders.
PM Manele also took the opportunity to acknowledge Japan’s assistance to Solomon Islands in various areas such as the Kukum Highway Project worth a total value of SBD 243 million and the SBD 300 million international airport project that has given a facelift to the Honiara International Airport.
He also acknowledged Japan’s ongoing assistance towards the clearance of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) as well as assistance in human resource development.
Prime Fumio, in turn, underscored Japan’s commitment to establish a Fisheries Research Center in collaboration with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
He also assured PM Manele of Japan’s keenness to upgrade the Kiluufi Hospital in Malaita Province and said the signing of agreement for this project would take place this week.
PM Fumio also assured PM Manele that Japan is considering the issuing of ordinary visa for both diplomatic and ordinary passport holders, an area of close cooperation.
He also touched on Japan’s release of treated [nuclear] water into the Pacific Ocean, assuring PM Manele that Japan is closely working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the discharging of treated [nuclear] water using Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS).
PM Fumio also took the opportunity to assure PM Manele that Japan will assist the government’s (Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT’s) 100 days program, stating that it is a commitment for Tokyo.
Meanwhile earlier in the day on Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka attended the JICA kizuna where leaders of JICA promoted the work of JICA in the Pacific region.
PM Manele attended the Economic Forum on mid-morning that day – this forum is a space for more collaboration and cooperation between Japan and Pacific Island Countries.
The one-day PALM 10 meeting proper was held yesterday.
(PM’S PRESS SECRETARIAT/SOLSTAR)
