The Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5)

October 28, 2008
Japanese

The Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, also known as PALM5, will be held on May 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) in 2009 in Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan.
The PALM5 will be co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Japan and the Premier of Niue.
At the Meeting, the Prime Minister of Japan and leaders of 14 countries and 2 regions in the Pacific will get together to exchange opinions on such matters as the current situation of the Pacific region and Japan-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) relations.

1) Objective and Background

To strengthen relations between Japan and PIF countries and work strongly together towards the development of the Pacific region, the PALM was previously held four times since 1997 (the first meeting in Tokyo in 1997 hosted by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto; the second in Miyazaki in 2000 hosted by Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori; the third in 2003 and the fourth in 2006 both in Okinawa hosted by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi). The PALM provides great opportunities for Japan and PIF countries to exchange opinions. The outcomes of the PALMs have become a basis for Japan’s diplomacy toward the PIF.

2) Agenda

At the PALM5, participants will follow up the Okinawa Partnership for a More Robust and Prosperous Pacific Region adopted at the PALM4 in 2006, Japan’s assistance measures toward PIF members, and the Joint Statement on Enhanced Donor Cooperation by Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Issues on future regional cooperation and the development of the PIF will be discussed during the meeting.

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