Press Releases

State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII’s Visit to Solomon Islands and Australia

July 1, 2026

Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Solomon Islands and Australia (Brisbane and Canberra) from June 27 to July 1.

State Minister HORII visited the Solomon Peace War Memorial Park and laid a wreath in remembrance of the war dead. 　
On June 29, State Minister HORII paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale, conveyed congratulations on his assumption of office in May, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and on issues in the Pacific Islands region. 　
On June 29, State Minister HORII and Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr., Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination), signed and exchanged notes for two grant aid projects: the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) (grant amount up to 126 million yen) and the Economic and Social Development Programme (grant amount up to 168 million yen). 　
On June 29, State Minister HORII held a meeting with Minister Kenilorea on strengthening bilateral relations, including in the field of development cooperation. 　
On June 29, State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Solomon Islands and with JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) respectively.

On June 29, in Brisbane, State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of Japanese companies and exchanged views on the local situation and the investment environment. 　
On June 30, in Canberra, State Minister HORII met with Hon. Matthew Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations in this milestone year marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, as well as on regional affairs, including in the Pacific Islands region. 　
On June 30, State Minister HORII attended and delivered remarks at the gala dinner held in the Parliament of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. Video messages from Prime Minister TAKAICHI and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were presented as well. The dinner was widely attended by Australian government leaders, including the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources, Senator the Hon. Sue Lines, President of the Senate, members of the Australia-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, and many others connected to Japan-Australia relations.