Minister Tozaka and Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono

THE Government has signed a milestone agreement with the Japanese Government for the improvement of the Honiara International Airport Project today in Tokyo.

Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade Honorable Milner Tozaka and the Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono officially signed the agreement at the Japanese Foreign Affairs Office.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Tozaka acknowledged the Government of Japan for its unwavering support in infrastructure development.

The four billion three hundred and sixty-four million Japanese Yen (4,364,000,000), is directed towards the upgrading the Honiara International Airport.

Minister Kono and Foreign Minister Tozaka during the signing ceremony
Minister Kono and Foreign Minister Tozaka during the signing ceremony ( Photo Source: Press Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet).

“I would like to express through you, our gratitude towards your Government for the continuous support rendered to us through the volunteers, Grassroots projects and more importantly the country’s infrastructure development ambitions,” he said.

Minister Tozaka said Japan remains the leading infrastructure development partner in Solomon Islands.

Therefore, he said the Solomon Islands Government welcomes the continuous cooperation and support by the Japanese Government.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the Government of this milestone achievement,’’ Minister Tozaka said.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Kono in response said the improvement of the Honiara International Airport is Japan’s desire to see sustainable development through infrastructure programs in the Solomon Islands.

He said this project will also supplement the current Kukum Highway Infrastructure program.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Minister has also congratulated Solomon Islands for opening a tourism office in Japan.

Mr Kono said his office together with other relevant agencies will make sure Solomon Islands tourism is promoted in Japan.

Both Ministers exchanging the signed documents after the signing (Photo Source: Press Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet)

Press Release and Photos supplied by The Press Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.