BY CHRIS ALEX
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele returned home after attending the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the Solomon Islands and Japan.
Japan hosted the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo from July 16-18, 2024, aiming to strengthen ties with Pacific island countries and regions since 1997.
“For over 46 years, the Solomon Islands and Japan have nurtured a strong relationship. Japan stands as one of the Solomon Islands’ major development partners, particularly in infrastructure development,” PM Manele told local journalists’ during an official press conference upon arrival at the Honiara International Airport.
Prime Minister (PM) Manele was accompanied by key officials, comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Health and Medical Services. These ministers played crucial roles in both multilateral and bilateral meetings. Senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, also supported the delegation.
The Government of Japan covered the expenses for the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the Solomon Islands government financed the rest of the delegation.
The 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) meeting provided a platform to deepen this bond, allowing the Prime Minister to engage directly with his Japanese counterpart and other Pacific leaders.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of an agreement with Kitano Construction for the extension and improvement of Kilufi Hospital in Malaita province. This development is set to enhance medical services for the people of the Solomon Islands, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation.
“I am proud to share key several outcomes and insights from this important gathering. The biggest outcome is on a bilateral level, designing the agreement or contract for Japan through Kitano Construction to extend and refurbish Kilufi Hospital, a very important hospital, for people with a similar approach.
“At the regional level, the Japan Pacific Leaders’ Declaration and the Joint Action Plan were adopted.
“These documents outline the principles and actionable steps for the Japan-Pacific partnership over the next three years, focusing on areas such as ocean conservation, climate change, disaster management, people-to-people relations, and human resource development,” PM Manele said.
He also highlighted security issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful, safe, and secure Pacific region.
He later acknowledged Japan’s investment in underwater cables in the North Pacific, which underscores the commitment to regional security and connectivity. A crucial topic raised by the Prime Minister was the discharge of treated water from Japan.
With the Solomon Islands being a large ocean state, the health of the ocean is paramount. He urged all parties to renew their commitment to the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, emphasizing the need for a nuclear-free Pacific and the shared global responsibility of keeping the ocean healthy.
“I used the occasion to call on all parties to renew their commitment to the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and also call on all known parties to accede to the peaceful framework and all other treaty obligations,” he said.
Throughout the Palm 10 meeting, Prime Minister Manele reiterated the Solomon Islands’ stance on nuclear issues, reflecting on the region’s history with nuclear testing and storage.
He called for a renewed commitment to peaceful frameworks and treaties that ensure the Pacific remains free from nuclear threats.
“The ocean is our past, it is our present, and it is also our future.” This sentiment captures the overarching theme of his visit: fostering strong international relationships while advocating for the sustainable and secure future of the Solomon Islands,” PM Manele said.
Prime Minister Manele’s visit to Japan and participation in PALM 10 not only strengthened bilateral ties but also highlighted Solomon Islands’ commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
As the nation looks forward to implementing the outcomes of this significant gathering, the groundwork laid in Tokyo promises to yield substantial benefits for the people of the Solomon Islands.
