BY TONY IROGA
The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to support the health sector in Solomon Islands following a courtesy visit by Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Higuchi, to the new Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Morris Toiraena.
Ambassador Higuchi met with Mr Toiraena on Tuesday, May 26, where the two leaders discussed ongoing cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan, particularly in the area of health development.
During the meeting, Higuchi congratulated Toiraena on his appointment as the new Health Minister and acknowledged the strong diplomatic ties that have existed between Solomon Islands and Japan since 1978.
The Ambassador also briefed the Minister on key health initiatives supported by the Japanese Government, including progress on the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project in Malaita Province.
“Japan highly values its friendship with Solomon Islands and remains committed to supporting the country’s health sector through infrastructure development and other assistance programmes,” Ambassador Higuchi said.
In response, Minister Toiraena welcomed the Ambassador and thanked the government and people of Japan for their continued support to Solomon Islands over the past four decades.
The Minister said Japan has played a significant role to strengthen health services in the country through major infrastructure projects and technical support.
“We are grateful to the Government of Japan for its unwavering assistance to our health sector for more than 40 years,” Toiraena said.
“Japan’s contribution towards major health infrastructure developments such as the new Gizo Hospital and the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project has greatly enhanced healthcare services for our people,” he added.
Toiraena said the Solomon Islands Government looks forward to continue its partnership with Japan to further improve health services and the wellbeing of Solomon Islanders.
Both Minister Toiraena and Ambassador Higuchi reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan and strengthen cooperation in the health sector.
The meeting highlighted the close partnership between the two countries and the shared commitment to improve healthcare access and infrastructure across Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: MHMS
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