Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, commends recipients of Japan’s Royal Decorations and celebrates the enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan.
Prime Minister Manele delivered the statement on Friday evening as guest of Honour at a ceremony hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi to confer distinguished decorations bestowed by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
The Prime Minister conveyed warm congratulations of the Government and people of the Solomon Islands to the honourees, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to reconciliation and historical preservation between the two nations.
He expressed pride that the awards presented were conferred by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, reflecting the esteem in which the recipients are held by the Government and people of Japan.
Mr. Francis Deve was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for his decades of dedicated support to Japanese search missions across multiple provinces since 1986.
Mr. Willie Besi received The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays in recognition of his and his late father’s vital contributions to similar missions dating back to 1980.
Mr. Mato Mui Liliau received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for continuing his family’s legacy since 2006 by providing logistical support to search missions and safeguarding Japanese war memorials on his property.
“Your dedication ensures that history is honoured with dignity, and that families in Japan find long-awaited closure,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Manele also reaffirmed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation for Japan’s steady and extensive partnership since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1978.
He welcomed Japan’s significant investments in the health sector, particularly the SBD 120 million upgrade and expansion of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province, and expressed the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) interest in expanding similar collaborations to other provinces.
On economic development, the Prime Minister outlined recent Japanese economic assistance, including the SBD 190 million emergency loan for COVID-19 stabilisation and development, USD 1.5 million to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources for essential equipment and supplies, and the SBD 22.8 million grant for Government social and economic programs.
The Prime Minister noted that Japan continues to contribute to transformative infrastructure projects nationwide, including the SBD 243 million Kukum Highway Project, upgrades to Honiara International Airport, market jetties in Auki and improvements at Honiara Port, solar street lighting and a geological laboratory for the Ministry of Mines (SBD 3.1 million), USD 76,770 for the Haʻapai community water supply, as well as the SBD 30 million Fisheries Research Center at SINU.
“These investments align with GNUT’s priority to advance social and economic infrastructure in Honiara and across the provinces,” the Prime Minister highlighted.
Japan also continues to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ security capabilities through its support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) operations within the RSIPF and the Ministry of Police, the provision of specialised training for the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the donation of a landing craft valued at approximately SBD 7 million, and assistance for a used fire truck for the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Services. Prime Minister Manele expressed profound gratitude for Japan’s ongoing contributions to national safety and stability.
In the education sector, the Prime Minister highlighted Japan’s enduring commitment, including USD 80,629 for a new classroom at Numbu Community High School, USD 86,666 for a classroom building at Beiporo Primary School, and continued opportunities through MEXT and JICA scholarships at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
He also acknowledged the 149 million Yen Human Resource Development Scholarship, the first of its kind in the Pacific which supports young Solomon Islands officials pursuing master’s degrees in Japan.
Prime Minister Manele requested His Excellency Ambassador Higuchi to convey his sincere appreciation to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, and to the Government and people of Japan, for honouring Solomon Islanders whose work has strengthened bilateral understanding and remembrance.
– OPMC
