Japan-Cook Relations
Japan-Cook Islands Leaders Video Teleconference Meeting
June 30, 2021
Japan-Cook Islands Leaders Video Teleconference Meeting(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On June 30, commencing at 10:20 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Cook Islands leaders video teleconference meeting with Hon. Mark Stephen BROWN, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Prime Minister Suga stated that Pacific Island countries such as Cook Islands are important partners to Japan, and that he would like to strengthen relations between the two countries in the year of the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of their Diplomatic Relations. He also stated that he would like to continue working closely with Prime Minister Brown toward a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
- Prime Minister Suga expressed his intention to continue supporting Cook Islands with measures against COVID-19 and to give an assistance to contribute to improvement of health and medical systems as well as water and wastewater infrastructure.
- In response, Prime Minister Brown expressed his gratitude for Japan's long-standing support. Both sides concurred on cooperating toward the success of the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting.
- The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, including the response to North Korea. Prime Minister Suga requested understanding and cooperation for the abduction issue, and received support from Prime Minister Brown.
- Prime Minister Suga stated that Japan was taking all possible infection control measures in preparation for hosting the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in a safe and secure manner. The two leaders concurred to pursue cooperation for the Games.