Japan minister told of the dangers of UXOs are real during visit to Hells Point

The visiting Japan Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kentaro Uesugi, has visited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Hells Point where he was told of the that the dangers of unexploded ordnance are real.

The Minister of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), the Honourable Minister Anthony Veke highlighted that UXOs or remnants of war is a dangerous task and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team has continued to deliver on their mandate.

“This country as we all know is littered with countless ‘Explosive Remnants of War’, a legacy of a dark chapter in our world history. It is a chapter, which we wish to put behind us. We do not wish to revisit, or allow it to happen again. It is in this spirit that we will collectively work together to make amends for what was left behind,” Veke said.

Veke said it is with a humble heart that he on behalf of the Government, acknowledges the important work that the Government of Japan has continued to do by assisting and them in the area.

He said said the funding assistance from Japan will not be taken lightly in fact—the support would greatly compliment the ongoing work that the Australian Government is currently doing with with the EOD unit.

Uesugi said Japan is fully aware of the threats posed by UXO.

“It is a matter that needs urgent action and this is an issue that needs addressing by all partners involved such as the USA and Australia,” he said.

Minister Uesugi said the site visit to EOD at Hells Point today signifies the cordial bilateral relationship between the two countries— and Japan will continue to support the social and economic development of Solomon Islands.