Japan and Solomon Islands have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and work closely ahead of the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11) in 2027, following talks between Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Copper Wale in Tokyo on Thursday.
Prime Minister Takaichi congratulated Prime Minister Wale on assuming office in May and welcomed his visit to Japan shortly after taking office, saying it reflected the importance he places on traditional partners, including Japan.
She said Japan wanted to deepen cooperation with Solomon Islands, describing the country as “a friend connected by the Pacific Ocean and sharing values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights,” under the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
“We hope to build up cooperation so that we can become strong and prosperous together,” Takaichi said.
Prime Minister Takaichi also informed Prime Minister Wale of Japan’s decision to provide a loan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting his Government’s policy priorities, promoting the freedom of Solomon Islands to make its own decisions, and strengthening the country’s resilience.
The Japanese government decided to provide low-interest loans of ¥3 billion (US$18,311,118) to the Solomon Islands as part of its development cooperation.
Prime Minister Wale thanked the Government and people of Japan for their wide-ranging support and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional affairs in the Indo-Pacific and confirmed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the unity of the Pacific Island region.
They agreed to continue close cooperation, including preparations for the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11), which is scheduled to be held in Yokohama around the summer of 2027.
