Japan-Fiji Relations
Meeting between Foreign Minister HAYASHI and H.E. Mr. Henry PUNA, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
May 7, 2022
On May 7, commencing at 2:35 p.m. local time (On May 7, at 11:55 a.m. JST) for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting the Republic of Fiji, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Henry PUNA, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that the relationship with PIF, in which all Pacific Island countries participate, is important and that Japan has been working to strengthen relationship with PIF for more than 20 years through the PIF Post-Forum Dialogue and the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) process. Secretary General Puna stated that he would like to continue to promote cooperation with Japan. The two sides concurred to continue to work closely together on issues of common interest to Japan and the PIF Secretariat in Pacific Island countries.
- The two sides also discussed on regional affairs and concerning the security environment of the Pacific Islands region, the two sides confirmed the importance of all Pacific Island countries working together for regional peace and stability, including through frank dialogue in the PIF forum. The two sides also concurred that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a serious situation that shakes the foundations of the international order including the Indo-Pacific region, and that it is important for the international community to unite in raising its voice on the importance of fundamental values such as democracy and the rule of law for the sake of peace and stability of the international community. Furthermore, the two sides confirmed that they will continue to coordinate in responding to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue.