State Minister of Defense Oniki’s Visit to Solomon Islands and Republic of Palau

August 10, 2022

Japan Ministry of Defense

in Japanese


From August 6th to 9th 2022, State Minister of Defense Oniki visited Solomon Islands and Republic of Palau. Summary of his visit is as follows:


1. Meetings and visitation in Solomon Islands


(1) On August 7th, State Minister of Defense Oniki attended the memorial ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Minister Oniki addressed the peace and prosperity we enjoy today is built on the sacrifices of those who died in the war, and stated that Japan will continue to work together with the international community to resolve the various issues the world faces.

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※Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, U.S. (left end)

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※Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, Australia(left)

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※Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, New Zealand (right)


(2) On the same day, State Minister of Defense Oniki held a meeting with Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Service Veke of Solomon Islands. Minister Oniki expressed his gratitude for Solomon Islands’attendance in the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), held in September 2021. The Ministers exchanged views on the security environment in the Pacific Islands region and confirmed to continue cooperating closely to maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

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(3) On the same day, State Minister of Defense Oniki paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sogavarae of Solomon Islands. Minister Oniki expressed that he was delighted to be able to visit the Solomon Islands for the first time as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Japan has consistently maintained a friendly relationship with the Solomon Islands since the end of the war, and stated Japan would like to make efforts to further strengthen the Japan-Solomon relations.

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(4) On the same day, State Minister of Defense Oniki, visited the unexploded ordnance disposal facility.

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(5) On the same day, State Minister of Defense Oniki visited the Indo-Pacific Deployment Unit (destroyer “Kirisame”), calling at the Solomon Islands. Minister Oniki received an explanation of the mission from Commander Sakata, and gave instruction to the unit and encouraged the members.

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(6) On the same day, State Minister of Defense Oniki visited the memorial of the Fukuoka unit and paid tribute to the 124th regiment, which was the core of the Kawaguchi Detachment that fought in Guadalcanal.

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(7) On August 8th, State Minister of Defense Oniki attended a ceremony hosted by the Solomon Islands at “Bloody Ridge”, which was the main battle field of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Minister Oniki once again offered his sincere condolences to the souls of those who died in the war.

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2. Meetings and visitation in Republic of Palau


(1) On August 8th, State Minister of Defense Oniki paid a courtesy call on Vice President and Minister of Justice Honorable Sengebau-Senior of the Republic of Palau. Minister Oniki expressed that he was delighted to be the first Parliamentary Minister from the Ministry of Defense to visit the Republic of Palau. Referring the Indo-Pacific Deployment Squadron, which visited the Republic of Palau for the second consecutive year and invited many government officials including the President Whipps on board, Minister Oniki conveyed that he was pleased that the defense exchanges between the two countries are steadily deepening. The two sides exchanged views on the security environment in the Pacific Islands region and confirmed to continue cooperating closely to maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

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(2) On August 8th, State Minister of Defense Oniki visited the Joint Operation Center of Ministry of Justice. Minister Oniki received an overview of the activities at the Joint Operation Center.

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(3) On August 9th, State Minister of Defense Oniki visited Peleliu. Minister Oniki consoled the souls at the Monument of the War Dead in the Western Pacific and other memorials.

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