Япония и Соломоновы Острова договорились о сотрудничестве в авиации, футболе и безопасности региона

JAPAN’S remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwao Horii. He said Japanese experts would continue working with relevant Solomon Islands authorities, including through the country’s education task force. In a bilateral meeting between the two governments during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, Horii met with Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, together with Solomon Islands Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Peter Kenilorea Jr., where both reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across key development and strategic areas. Horii said Japan would explore areas to assist Solomon Islands in the aviation sector, including airport infrastructure and terminals. Kenilorea highlighted the importance of airports to Solomon Islands’ long-term economic development, connectivity, and national resilience. He said the Government is looking at airport infrastructure that could meet the country’s needs over the next 30 years, including improvements to the terminal, runways, and, where required, aircraft parking facilities. The meeting also welcomed Japan’s support for football development in the Solomon Islands, including the recent donation of footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation. Discussions also explored opportunities for Japanese technical expertise to support coaching and football development in the 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. 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. Both countries also exchanged views on regional peace and security, including developments affecting the Pacific Ocean, where Japan emphasised the importance of maintaining the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace and keeping dialogue and communication open among countries. Houenipwela said the new Government was focused on re-engaging with traditional partners, with Japan being an important longstanding friend and development partner. One of Japan’s recent assistance measures to the Solomon Islands was the JPY 294 million grant (equivalent to SBD 6.2 million) to strengthen public service capacity and improve malaria diagnosis in the country, which both countries signed in June this year.