BY NED GAGAHE
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka, has welcomed Japan’s continued support to the Solomon Islands through its ongoing human resource development and infrastructure assistance.
Speaking at the Exchange of Notes and Signing Ceremony on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, at MFAET office in Honiara, he said the SBD $10.1 million grant aid from Japan will greatly benefit Solomon Islanders selected for the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) program.
The grant, worth ¥178 million Japanese Yen, will fund the second batch of JDS scholarships under Japan’s Bilateral Aid Program.
“Excellency, this morning I am privileged to once again join you in signing the note and grant agreement on the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship worth one hundred and seventy-eight million Japanese Yen,” said Agovaka.
He highlighted that Solomon Islands’ national development priorities remain focused on infrastructure, and took the opportunity to acknowledge Japan’s longstanding assistance in this area.
He cited key infrastructure support including:
-The international airport terminal, Auki Wharf, and the main highway in Honiara running from the Central Market to Henderson Airport
-The Solar Street Light Project, geological laboratory, and other health and education facilities spread across the country under Japan’s Grassroots Program
-Japan’s ongoing commitment to the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project and the SINU Fisheries Research Centre, signed in 2024
He also acknowledged Japan’s financial assistance through soft loan facilities, support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance through equipment and training for the RSIPF, Japan’s Volunteer Program, and the continued provision of tertiary scholarships for Solomon Islanders.
“Ambassador, Solomon Islands has a young population, hence building a knowledge-based society is critical for sustainable development,” said Agovaka.
He expressed the government’s profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their enduring support, not only bilaterally, but also through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) partnership.
“At the regional level, we are united under the PALM partnership striving forward together,” the Minister said.
Agovaka extended his well wishes to Japanese Ambassador His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi and expressed hope for stronger collaboration between the two countries during the Ambassador’s term in Solomon Islands.
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