BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
PRIME Minister Abe of Japan has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and Japan.
He expressed this statement at the recent bilateral meeting with the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Honorable Rick Houenipwela and his delegation in Japan.
He said that this year is the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Japan and the Solomon Islands and he would like to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
At the same time, maritime security, maritime security capabilities, climate change, disaster prevention and other issues that the region is commonly faced with has been discussed. Also possible ways to tackle this issues had been raised in this discussions.
Meanwhile, PM Houenipwela thanked Japan for their support in the different areas over the years, including maintenance of the Honiara airport.
In addition, PM Abe asked for due consideration for the stable operation of Japanese fishing vessels, cooperation in the collection project of the remains of Japanese soldier’s in World War Two and cooperation for the early resolution of the abduction issue.
Discussions between the two leaders took place during PM’s Hou trip to the eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) in Japan.
