Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena during the ceremony stated his gratitude on the significant role Japan continues to play in Solomon Islands.

Sir Waena emphasized especially on the aid given by the Japanese Government saying that "the Grant Aid Scheme has really assisted in the restoration and enhancement of our social and economic activities."

Japan is one of the major development partners of Solomon Islands and "over time our countries have built such mutual, beneficial and constructive relationship," says Sir Waena.

He adds that the current cordial relations between the two countries will further strengthen when there is the proposed signing of a Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in September this year, "the signing will pave the way for the enhancement strengthening and diversification of bilateral cooperation between both countries."

He concluded that the two countries will endeavor together on global significant issues like climate change, the UN reform and many others, "as tide of change continues to unfold, in international affairs."