The government of Japan today officially handed over the new international departure terminal to the government of Solomon Islands.
A “Flagship project” as described by His Excellency Mr. Yoshiaki Miwa, the Japanese Ambassador in the Official Opening and Handing over ceremony.
The new terminal though smaller, is boosted with a large departure area, duty- free shops, a business lounge area, VIP lounge and several cafeterias.
In his guest of honor speech, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked the government and people of Japan for the wonderful gift. PM Sogavare said the construction of the new terminal is long time coming, it will address important areas such as “…increasing efficiency, reduce risk to facilities, and improve safety of the travelling public and safety of aircrafts as well”.
PM Sogavare said the real test of the new terminal is when thousands of athletes and officials will depart after the completion of the Pacific Games in December this year.
“I am sure that the capacity of this International Departure will be put to the test then,” the Prime Minister stated. PM Sogavare further highlighted that government is always committed to tourism development, and the hope is that the Ministry of Communication and Aviation will be able to manage effectively passengers and cargoes, arriving and departing Honiara airport. “Similarly, with increased airport efficiency, we will promote Honiara International Airport as a destination in our region,” PM Sogavare added.
PM Sogavare thanked the government and people of Japan for the assistance in addressing connectivity in the transport sector. “The increasing assistance by Japan in the Transport Sector is a very clear sign of strength of partnership between our countries and we hope that our partnership will continue to grow,” the Prime Minister added.
With Press Secretariat, OPMC
