𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐮́𝐟𝐢 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧

The signing of the amended Grant Agreement for the Kiluúfi Hospital Expansion Project today. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka pose for a photo opportunity with the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi. With them are the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr Paul Popora Bosowai and Resident Representative of JICA in Solomon Islands, Takeshi Watanabe (Far right) with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, today signed an amended Grant Agreement for the Kiluúfi Hospital Expansion Project with the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi.

The original Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the improvement and expansion of Kiluúfi Hospital in Malaita Province was signed in June 2023, with Japan providing a grant of 2.011 billion yen (SBD $120 million). However, due to global price escalations and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, work on installing medical equipment and facilities was suspended following the project's commencement in October 2024.

The amended agreement signed today provides additional grant aid to resume the suspended components of the project. An additional 356 million yen ($20M) has been allocated, bringing the total project value to 2.367 billion yen (SBD $130 million).

Minister Agovaka expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support and underscored the significance of this collaboration.

“The provision of additional funding for this project by Japan is a clear testament to the unwavering friendship between our two nations. On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, I extend our sincere appreciation to Japan for its invaluable support over the years,” he stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka exchanging notes with the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi in the presence of the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr Paul Popora Bosowai.

Kiluúfi Hospital is the only public hospital in Malaita Province, which is the most densely populated province in Solomon Islands. Upon completion, the hospital will serve at least 24% of the country’s population, significantly improving healthcare access and services in the region.

“With accessibility by both sea and air, the upgraded hospital will also serve as an important medical hub for patients from neighboring provinces seeking treatment,” Minister Agovaka added.

The Solomon Islands Government remains committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and acknowledges Japan’s steadfast partnership in supporting this critical development initiative.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka signing documents with Resident Representative of JICA in Solomon Islands, Takeshi Watanabe.

Ambassador Higuchi also expressed his appreciation to all those involved in advancing the project, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to the Solomon Islands.

“This project responds to the call made by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held last year in Japan,” Ambassador Higuchi stated.

𝐌𝐅𝐀𝐄𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

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