Oceania

On February 11, commencing at 5:15 p.m. local time (2:15 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 H.E. Henry PUNA, Secretary General of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the support of the PIF Secretariat in organizing the PALM 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting and stated that she would like to strengthen cooperation with the PIF through today's discussions. In response, Secretary General Puna stated that it was a pleasure to welcome Minister Kamikawa and would like to express his sincere appreciation in this opportunity as a proof of friendship.

Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan had been attaching importance to PALM as a forum for cooperation with PIF members since its establishment of PALM, the forum to discuss future visions with the entire Pacific Island countries. She mentioned that ahead of PALM10, she took mutual trust and solid “kizuna” to heart, which was growing upon achievements built through PALM process for nearly 30 years and paid respect to the efforts made by predecessors of both sides. She also stated her intention to foster the cooperative relationship based on such achievements as a foundation by respecting and learning from each other in order to tackle common challenges. In response, Secretary General Puna stated that he would like to continue to strengthen the relationship with Japan, which is connected with “kizuna”.

Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Minister Kamikawa, by referring to the report of the IAEA review mission, explained that it has been safely implemented in full compliance with the relevant international standards. She also stated that Japan would continue to provide sincere explanations to Pacific Island countries based on scientific evidence, including results of monitoring to be conducted with continuous involvement of IAEA, to increase reassurance.

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.