Japan-Solomon Relations

On May 19, commencing at 3:29 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with Hon. Rick Houenipwela, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, who is staying in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture to attend the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8). The overview of the summit meeting is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe noted that this year marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Solomon Islands, and that he will pursue the development of even closer bilateral relations. The Prime Minister stated that at PALM8, which was held a short while earlier, discussions took place regarding the issues facing the region, including maritime security, capacity building of maritime safety, climate change, and disasterprevention. In addition, the Prime Minister announced the intention of the Government of Japan to continue to support the sustainable development of the Solomon Islands, including through grant aid for the improvement of Honiara Airport (approximately 4.4 billion yen).
2. Prime Minister Houenipwela expressed appreciation for Japan's assistance in a range of fields over many years, including improvement of Honiara  Airport.
3. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will coordinate and cooperate with the Solomon Islands based on the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy," and the leaders agreed that the two countries would continue to hold relevant discussions.
4. Prime Minister Abe requested Prime Minister Houenipwela to give consideration to the stable operations of Japanese fishing vessels, for his cooperation with the recovery of the remains of the war dead from World War II, and his cooperation on the prompt resolution of the abductions issue. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views regarding international issues and cooperation, such as whaling, and the regionalaffairs, including North Korea.