Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has expressed his gratitude to Japan for its continuous assistance to the Solomon Islands.
PM Manele made this acknowledgment as he extended heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
He wished the Emperor continued good health, divine blessings, and a prosperous life, while also expressing hopes for the continued growth of the strong friendship and partnership between the Solomon Islands and Japan.
During a reception on commemorating Japan’s National Day in Honiara on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Manele reflected on the longstanding relationship between the Solomon Islands and Japan, which has spanned 47 years. Over the years, this relationship has strengthened, with Japan emerging as one of the country’s key development partners.
Prime Minister Manele stated that the Solomon Islands has benefitted from over SBD 653 million in assistance through Japan’s bilateral programs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2016 to 2021.
This support has significantly contributed to the nation’s growth, particularly in the transport and health sectors. He highlighted notable infrastructure projects funded by Japan, including the Honiara Port Wharf, the Honiara Road Improvement Project, and ongoing upgrades to Kilu’ufi and Gizo Hospitals.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands in achieving its development goals. He also emphasized the importance of fostering closer economic and trade relations, particularly as the country approaches graduation from the Least Developed Country category.
Additionally, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the impact of Japan’s scholarships and its longstanding Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program, which has helped build human capital in the Solomon Islands since 1979.
These programs have strengthened ties between the two nations through people-to-people connections, emphasized PM Manele.
Japan’s active role at the regional level, especially as a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum since 1989, was also praised by Prime Minister Manele, reaffirming the importance of continued engagement at all levels.
