Vows not to interfere with Solomon Islands sovereign decision
THE Japanese government has assured Solomon Islands that it respects the SI-China Security Pact and will not interfere with the sovereign decision of the country, it was revealed.
A government statement said this was highlighted by the visiting Japan’s vice Foreign Minister Kentaro Uesugi, during a meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare this week.
The 7-member high level delegation comprise high-ranking officials from Japan’s Parliament Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense who flew in from Tokyo over the weekend.
Welcoming the high level delegation, Mr Sogavare said, Japan is one of the few Solomon Islands forged diplomatic relations with right from gaining political Independence in 1978.
Since then Solomon Islands continue to benefit from Japanese infrastructure program to this day.
In terms of the SI-China Security Pact, Prime Minister Sogavare assured Japan that the security pact signed with China poses no threat to Japan or the region.
“This security agreement is to address domestic soft and hard threats.”
Both countries underlined respect for each other’s sovereignty and their shared responsibility to nurture friendship, peace and stability in the region.
In response to the Prime Minister, Minister Uesugi said Japan will not interfere with Solomon Islands sovereign decision on any issue but want lasting peace with Solomon Islands and the Pacific family.
“The treaty is about helping Solomon Islands when assistance is needed especially in times of disasters and to support police capability.
“A safe and stable Solomon Islands contributes to a safe and stable region,” stated a government statement.
It added that Solomon Islands assured Japan it has no intention whatsoever to have a foreign military presence in the country.
Both countries took stock of their positive, strong and firm relations and agreed to further bolster bilateral cooperation programs in a number of sectors.
Solomon Islands expressed its gratitude for Japan’s COVID-19 support to the country and look forward to keep working with Japan in combating the pandemic.
Solomon Islands assured Japan that it will continue to stand with Japan on very important international issues of mutual concerns.
