Japan-Cook Relations

On February 11, commencing at 4:40 p.m. local time (1:40 p.m. February 11 JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Suva, the Republic of Fiji, to attend the PALM 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting, held a meeting with Hon. Tingika Elikana, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Marine Resources and Parliamentary Services of Cook Islands . The overview of the meeting is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for Prime Minister Brown’s contribution to the discussions in the G7 Hiroshima Summit held last year, in which he participated on behalf of Pacific Island countries. She stated that the relationship between Japan and Cook Islands has become even closer through bilateral meetings. She also expressed her appreciation for the leadership of the Cook Islands as co-chair of the PALM 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting, and expressed her intention to further strengthen cooperative ties based on common values and principles in addition to their "kizuna".

Minister Kamikawa explained that as the world faces a historic turning point, it is critical to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and ensure the world where the human dignity is protected. In addition, based on such recognition, the Ministers discussed the outcomes they should aim for through the PALM 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting from the position of the co-chairs.

The Ministers also exchanged views on cooperation to strengthen connectivity by taking into account the priority areas of the Cook Islands and other issues.

The Ministers concurred to work even more closely toward the PALM 10 to be held this year.

Minister Kamikawa presented a box foiled with Kanazawa gold leaf in the hope of supporting the recovery of those areas affected by Noto Peninsula Earthquake.