MNPDC Minister, Hon. Peter Kenilorea, and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Iwao Horii, posed for a photo after their meeting at the MNPDC conference room.
Minister Kenilorea Reaffirms Strong Partnership with Japan
Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Hon. Peter Kenilorea, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Iwao Horii, and his delegation at the Ministry’s head office in Honiara on 29 June 2026.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan while advancing discussions on shared development priorities.
Minister Kenilorea said the friendship Solomon Islands and Japan enjoys is rooted in mutual respect since their diplomatic relations began in 1978.
He said Japan is a vital development partner that is supporting the country’s growth and development through infrastructure, human resource development and technical cooperation.
Minister Kenilorea acknowledged the positive impacts of the programs managed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme.
He acknowledged Japan for aligning its assistance to the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035.
Minister Kenilorea said Solomon Islands looks forward to receiving Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy, which provides a strategic framework for future bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Regional issues and the upcoming Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) 11 were also discussed at the meeting.
Minister Kenilorea acknowledge the PALM as an important forum for addressing climate change and economic development.
He welcomed Japan’s efforts to align PALM 11 outcomes with the regional 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Minister Kenilorea said Solomon Islands is keen to help shape a successful agenda for the upcoming PALM 11.
He raised concerns about transnational crime, including drug trafficking, which threatens the nation’s maritime security.
The country’s vulnerability to global fuel prices was also discussed at the meeting.
Minister Kenilorea also expressed Solomon Islands’ interest to join the Japan’s Indo-Pacific Energy Security initiative to strengthen it economic resilience.
End///
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Iwao Horii, leaves the MNPDC compound after their meeting with MNPDC officials.
Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Peter Kenilorea, presenting a traditional shell money to Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Iwao Horii, after their meeting in Honiara..JPG