Japan-Marshall Relations
Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting
December 8, 2023
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On December 8, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. David KABUA, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who is visiting Japan.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he sincerely welcomed President Kabua's visit to Japan and congratulated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Marshall Islands, and the opening of its new office for Embassy of the Marshall Islands in Japan.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would continue to support the Marshall Islands through bilateral efforts and the Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting (PALM) process. In response, President Kabua mentioned his appreciation for Japan's support and the historical connection between the two countries, such as the presence of Japanese descent in Marshall, including President Kabua himself and stated that the Marshall Islands wished to strengthen the relations with Japan. The two leaders concurred on the importance of further enhancement of their bilateral relations.
- Prime Minister Kishida expressed his desire to work closely with the Marshall Islands to realize “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)". The two leaders affirmed the importance of realizing the FOIP and concurred to continue to closely cooperate with each other.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that he looked forward to discussing matters at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting (PALM 10), to be held next year, to pursue results in line with the Pacific Islands Forum's (PIF) "2050 Strategy". The two leaders concurred to work closely for the success of PALM 10.
- Regarding the ALPS treated water, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan has continued to provide thorough explanations based on scientific evidence and with a highly transparent manner and explained that through monitoring under the continuous involvement of the IAEA, it has been confirmed that the discharge has being conducted safely as planned and Japan would continue to provide information in a highly transparent manner. Both leaders concurred on continued dialogues based on scientific evidence.