Japan-Cook Relations

On May 18, commencing at 5:20 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with Hon. Henry Puna, Prime Minister of Cook Islands, during his stay in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture to attend the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8). The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Puna to Japan and expressed his intention to hold in-depth discussions on regional issues such as maritime security, climate change and disaster prevention at tomorrow's PALM8 meeting. Additionally, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan is considering providing emergency grant aid amounting to 200 million yen for the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure and other initiatives. 
2. In response, Prime Minister Puna expressed his happiness over the warm hospitality shown by Japan during his visit. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for the support provided by Japan to Cook Islands to date, including grant assistance for grass roots human security project, and his respect for Japan's leadership in the PALM process. 
3. Prime Minister Abe stated his intention to coordinate and cooperate with Cook Islands under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy and agreed to continue discussions. Prime Minister Puna concurred with Prime Minister Abe. 
4. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on challenges and cooperation in the international community, such as in the area of renewable energy, and on regional affairs, including North Korea. Furthermore, Prime Minister Puna expressed Cook Islands' support for Japan's position on North Korea, including the abductions issue.