PRIME MINISTER, Hon Manasseh Sogavare and the first ever Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Kenichi Kimiya yesterday assured each other of their commitment to boost diplomatic relations between their two countries.
His Excellency Kimiya paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister following his presentation of credentials to the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui as Japan’s ambassador plenipotentiary to Solomon Islands.
His Excellency Kimiya has served as the Japanese Charge‘d’ Affairs in Solomon Islands up until March this year when Tokyo decided to upgrade its presence in Solomon Islands from charge ‘d’ affairs to the ambassadorial level and promoted him to that new position.
His Excellency Kimiya told the Prime Minister that he was pleased to meet with him as Japan’s first ambassador to Solomon Islands and expressed his determination to carry out his ambassadorial duty to his utmost best.
“I look forward for a fruitful tenure in office with the support of your government.
“The upgrade of our diplomatic presence in Solomon Islands reflects the strong and growing relationship we have with your country and the high regard we hold for this relationship,” he added.
On this note, the ambassador proposed the idea of Solomon Islands establishing a diplomatic mission in Tokyo with an ambassador as the head of mission to reciprocate the act of diplomatic prominence it was accorded with by Japan.
He said the Japanese Government is also seeking the support of the Solomon Islands Government to provide a state-owned land for the establishment of a new and permanent residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands.
His Excellency Kimiya took the opportunity to also assure Prime Minister Sogavare of his government’s commitment to ensure the successful completion of the Honiara Road Improvement Project, adding that his government is considering other big infrastructure projects to ‘contribute to the prosperity of Solomon Islands.
In response, Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed His Excellency Kimiya in his new capacity as Japan’s ambassador to Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister said Japan was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands since that latter attained nationhood in 1978 and is one of Solomon Islands biggest development partner.
In this context, the Prime Minister assured the ambassador of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s commitment to maintain and enhance Solomon Islands relationship with Japan.
He also assured His Excellency Kimiya that the Democratic Coalition for Change government will seriously consider his government’s proposition for Solomon Islands to establish a diplomatic mission in Tokyo.
On the request for the provision of a state-owned parcel of land for the establishment of a new and permanent residence of the Japanese Ambassador top Solomon Islands, Prime Minister referred to it as a ‘good idea’ and asked him to leave it with him to allow relevant government officials to address.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to reiterate the support of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government towards the initiatives of the Japanese Government at the United Nations fora.
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