Japan-Kiribati Relations

On May 18, commencing at 4:05 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati, during his stay in Iwaki City to attend the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8). The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Maamau to Japan and expressed his intention to hold in-depth discussions on regional issues such as maritime security, capacity building of maritimesafety, climate change and disaster prevention at tomorrow's PALM8 meeting. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan is considering providing grant aid amounting to 300 million yen for the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure and other initiatives. 
2. In response, President Maamau expressed his gratitude for Japan's longstanding support and both leaders agreed to cooperate  for the success of PALM8. 
3. Prime Minister Abe stated his intention to coordinate and cooperate with Kiribati under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, and both leaders agreed that they will continue to hold discussions.
4. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested the consideration for the stable operations by Japanese fishing vessels. Furthermore, both leaders exchanged views on challenges and cooperationin the international communityincluding whaling, as well as regional affairs, including North Korea.