Solomons welcome first Japanese ambassador

11:42 am on 8 April 2016

Solomon Islands has welcomed its first ever Japanese ambassador, Kenichi Kimiya.

Japan announced last month it was upgrading its consulate to a full embassy and in today's welcome both countries assured each other of their commitment to boosting diplomatic ties.

Mr Kimiya was charge' d'affair in the previous Japanese set up in Honiara.

He said the Solomons government should establish a diplomatic mission in Tokyo and Solomons' prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, said it would seriously consider that.

Mr Kimiya said Japan also wanted the Solomon Islands Government to provide state-owned land for a new and permanent residence for the ambassador.

Japan has been funding the Honiara Road Improvement Project and Mr Kimiya said his government was considering other big infrastructure projects to 'contribute to the prosperity of Solomon Islands.'