PRIME Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo last Thursday met with Parliamentary Vice Minister for the Foreign Affairs of Japan Takashi Uto in Honiara.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Lilo thanked Mr Uto for visiting the country.
Mr Lilo reiterated that Solomon Islands and Japan hold a significant and historical relationship that is embedded in both our people’s hearts.
“Japan will continue to be a role model that Solomon Islands will always admire and a genuine development partner Solomon Islands will continue to work closely with,” Mr Lilo said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Japanese government’s commitment through JICA for their continuous support to Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands appreciates Japan’s commitment in the ongoing support within the infrastructure sector in building our roads, ports, bridges and also other important sectors such as health and disaster risk management programs,” he said.
Mr Lilo then took time to also reaffirm the strengthened ‘Kizuna’ or ‘strong bond’ between Solomon Islands and Japan.
Meanwhile, the visiting Japan Foreign Affairs Vice-Minister said he was pleased that this was his first overseas visit and he was privileged to be here in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Uto reassured the Prime Minister that Japan is committed in their ongoing and future development plans for Solomon Islands.
“I have witnessed the traffic congestion here in Honiara and I am confident that we will build infrastructures that will ease the congestions,” Mr Uto said.
He said Japan is also committed in supporting Solomon Islands with our disaster risk management programs as both countries have experienced similar natural disasters in the past.
