Oceania
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. HORII Iwao (Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan) attends the Dialogue Partners Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
November 14, 2023
From November 9 to 13, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Cook Islands to attend the Dialogue Partners Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and exchanged views with Pacific Island countries and regional leaders. The overview of the visit is as follows.
- On November 10, the Dialogue Partners Meeting was held, and attended by PIF leaders, cabinet ministers, and representatives from countries outside the region (dialogue partners, such as Japan).
- State Minister Horii participated in a thematic dialogue on Oceans and Environment, Climate Change and Disasters. He focused on climate change, which Pacific Island countries position as the greatest threat among Japan's strong commitments to the Pacific Islands region based on the PIF’s “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent." He also gave a courteous explanation on the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea.
- Also on the 10th, State Minister Horii held meetings with Hon. Mark BROWN, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands; Hon. Dalton TAGELAGI, Premier of Niue; Hon. HU’AKAVAMEILIKU, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga; Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Independent State of Samoa, and others. At each meeting, State Minister Horii conveyed Japan’s strong support for the "2050 Strategy." He explained Japan's policy regarding Pacific Island countries as well as Japan’s efforts on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, ahead of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) scheduled for next year. He exchanged views with each Prime Minister towards strengthening bilateral relations. The leaders of each country expressed their appreciation for Japan's support for their country and their desire to strengthen relations with Japan as a reliable partner.