Japanese New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Morimoto Yasuhiro has presented his Letter of Credence to Governor General His Excellency Sir David Vunagi on the 30th July, 2020.
H.E Yasuhiro conveys the cordial greetings of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and desires to maintain and promote the friendship and goodwill which happily exist between both nations.
“I am firmly determined to do my best to fulfill my important missions, in such manner as to merit Your Excellency’s esteem and trust.
“I sincerely hope that Your Excellency and the people of Solomon Islands will extend generous understanding and kind cooperation to me in the performance of my duty,” he remarked adding that his appointment will further promote and expand excellent relations with Japan in many fields.
Governor General Sir Vunagi upon accepting the credentials conveyed to His Excellency, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the good people of Japan, his best wishes for good health in this COVID-19 era and warm greetings from the Government and people of the Solomon Islands.
Sir Vunagi acknowledges the Government of Japan for the various assistances the country have received over the years.
“Japan is a friend who has invested immensely to the social and economic development in the country,” he remarked.
He highlighted Japan’s infrastructure contribution-construction of the Auki market and jetty, the Honiara main market, the upgrading of the Honiara International Airport, the Kukum Highway upgrade and the upgrade of the Point Cruz International wharf, just to name a few.
He pointed out that Kukum Highway and the Honiara International Upgrade projects for instance will enable us to accommodate the massive number of people we will be hosting in the Pacific Games 2023.
Governor General adds that the improved roads, airports and sea ports will encourage the movement of people which will boost trade activities whilst addressing issues relating to the Gross National Income and the Economic Vulnerability Index.
“These will equip Solomon Islands to graduate out of its LDC Status come 2024.”
Sir Vunagi also provide a brief on the country’s COVID-19 zero case status and the preparedness and response efforts by the government.
He then conveys our sincere thanks and gratitude to the government and the people of Japan for their support towards our efforts to contain, prevent and stop COVID-19 from entering our shores.
“The recent support towards the health sector is a true testament of Japan’s kind and generous heart towards the government and people Solomon Islands in our fight against COVID-19,” he remarked.
He assures the new Japanese Ambassador of his support during term in office. Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands is Mr. Toyama Shigeru.
Source: GCU