Japan-Marshall Relations
Japan - Marshall Islands Summit Meeting
March 13, 2025
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On March 13, commencing at 2:40 pm for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting with H.E. Dr. Hilda C. Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed President Heine’s third visit to Japan since her inauguration last year and stated that Japan and the RMI have a deep historical “kizuna” (a bond of trust) and are precious friends who share values and principles.
- In response, President Heine expressed her appreciation for Japan’s efforts to enhance relations with the RMI. She also stated that the relationship between the RMI and Japan is historically deep and that she would like to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
- Regarding bilateral relations, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan will steadily implement the bilateral initiatives as well as the commitments, including the reconstruction of Amata Kabua International Airport Terminal, Japan made at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in cooperation with President Heine. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that, through contributions to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and support for the development of a water supply system in the RMI to strengthen disaster resilience, the Government of Japan will work together to address common challenges such as climate change, which Pacific Island countries position as “the single greatest existential threat” and the marine environment. In response, President Heine expressed her gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their cooperation with the RMI.
- Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Ishiba explained that the safety of the discharge is ensured, and that Japan plans to support monitoring capacity building through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He also mentioned that Japan will continue to handle the matter with transparency based on scientific evidence to enhance the confidence in its safety.
- Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude for the RMI's cooperation in the recovery of the remains of war dead and requested the RMI’s continued support. Prime Minister Ishiba also stated that youth exchange is essential to deepening the “kizuna” between Japan and the Pacific Island countries and to passing it on to future generations. He expressed his hope that friendly relations will be built among the future generations through youth exchange programs such as JENESYS and the Children’s Exchange Programme with Micronesian Islands. He also welcomed the RMI’s participation in Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, and also expressed his expectation for the RMI’s participation in the GREEN×EXPO 2027.
- Both leaders also exchanged candid views on various regional issues.