BY ALEX DADAMU
UNITED States and Japan have reiterated vows to enhance cooperation with the Solomon Islands as Government and military officials from the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand and dignitaries from other countries gathered in Honiara starting Sunday, August 7 to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman when addressing the Media in a Press Conference on Sunday, August 7, recounted her meeting with the Solomon Islands Prime Minister earlier that same day, a meeting she revealed that focused on the future and drawn the important bilateral partnership between the United States and the Solomon Islands.
“Earlier this year, Secretary Blinken announced the United States intends to re-establish a US Embassy in Honiara.
“I was pleased to be able to tell the prime minister that Russell Comeau, who’s been serving as U.S Director of the United States Embassy Office in the Solomon Islands has officially been named charged affair for the Solomon Islands by the US Department of State, an important step in the process toward an embassy.
“However, we are not waiting for our embassy to open to continue deepening our cooperation with the Solomon Islands.
“I told the Prime Minister and I’m pleased to tell you all know that President Biden will be inviting leaders of the Pacific island nations to a meeting and a dinner at the White House in September around the time of the UN General Assembly.
“This White House meeting between the President and the Pacific Islands will be a historic opportunity to discuss our shared challenges, exchange ideas and perspectives, and achieve deeper understanding at the leader level, the Pacific way,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman said.
The Senior U.S. diplomat furthered that the U.S is partnering with the Solomon Islands on these and other priorities, not only because it is in the United States’ interest to do so, but because the government and people of Solomon Islands have told us that these are their priorities.
“These are your priorities, and the Solomon Islands and throughout the Pacific Islands. The United States is committed to following what is sometimes called this I mentioned “the Pacific way’, listening to our partners to understand their concerns and interests, and finding a path forward together,” she said.
In a separate memorial service hosted by the Japanese government and also attended by U.S. and senior officials from other countries, Makoto Oniki, Japanese Vice Defence Minister expressed Japan’s hope to build and strengthen stronger ties with the Solomon Islands.
Minister Onika in his speech, also expressed his deep respect for the fallen soldiers who fought in the battle of Guadalcanal including the bereaved families and other people who endured the sorrow of losing their loved ones and friends during that time and had overcome hardship.
“Japan will work together with the international community and make every effort to resolve various issues the world is facing.
“The Solomon Islands and other pacific Island States are Japan’s irreplaceable partners.
“At the 9th pacific islands leaders meeting PALM 9 held in July last year, 2021 japan announce its pacific bond, Kizuna policy – to further strengthen cooperation between pacific island countries including the Solomon Islands.
Under this Pacific bond, Kizuna Policy, Japan is working to further strengthen its ties with the Solomon Islands and Pacific Island Countries through an all japan approach,” Minister Onika stated.
It is understood that the Japanese Vice Defence Minister, Makoto Oniki has also met with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Sunday, August 7.
