Oceania
State Minister for Foreign Affairs TAKEI Visits the Republic of Fiji and Tuvalu
From May 2 to 6, Mr. TAKEI Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Republic of Fiji and Tuvalu. An overview of this visit is as follows.
I Fiji (May 3 to May 4)
1. Visit on Fiji Police Force patrol boats
On May 3, State Minister Takei visited the base of Fiji Police Maritime Unit and received an explanation from Commander Shomas and others on its missions and issues, including the use of security boats and rescue boats provided through Japan's grant aid.
Fiji has many remote islands and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). There is an urgent need to improve maritime security cooperation, including distress call response to natural disasters such as cyclones, and monitoring and controlling IUU fisheries and drug trafficking. Fiji expressed their gratitude for the support from the Government and people of Japan, and the visit affirmed that the provided equipment and materials were appropriately managed and utilized to support Fiji's maritime security capabilities.
II Tuvalu (May 4 to May 6)
1. Meeting with government dignitaries and others
(1) Courtesy Call on Hon. Simon KOFE, Minister of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs
On May 4, State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Simon KOFE, Minister of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu. State Minister Takei stated that Pacific Island countries such as Tuvalu are important regional partners for achieving a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), and that he attaches great importance to cooperation with Tuvalu. State Minister Takei stated that Japan would continue to support Tuvalu under the "Pacific Bond (KIZUNA) Policy" announced at the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9). Both sides shared the view that they would cooperate toward the PALM Interim Ministerial Meeting to be held in Pacific Island countries for the first time this year. They also exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional situations, and climate change. State Minister Takei also explained that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted only after confirming that there will be no harm to the environment and human health.
In response, Minister Kofe expressed his gratitude for the longstanding support provided by the Government and people of Japan and his willingness to participate in the PALM Interim Ministerial Meeting. He pointed out the importance of scientific evidence on the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, and expressed his appreciation for the State Minister’s explanation and Japan's transparency.
(2) Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Kausea Natano
On May 4, State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Kausea NATANO, Prime Minister of Tuvalu.
State Minister Takei stated that Tuvalu is a dear friend tied by the Pacific Ocean and an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values. He also stated that Pacific Island countries are an important regional partner for achieving FOIP, and that Japan places great importance on cooperation with Tuvalu. State Minister Takei also stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with Pacific Island countries respecting their own agenda, and making use of Japan's strengths, based on The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. He also expressed support for the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) Family First approach to deal with security and other issues in the region. State Minister Takei also explained that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted only after confirming that there will be no harm to the environment and human health. He handed a letter to Prime Minister Natano from Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio stating Japan's position.
In response, Prime Minister Natano welcomed State Minister Takei’s visit to Tuvalu and expressed his gratitude for the longstanding support from the Government and people of Japan. He pointed out the importance of scientific evidence on the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea and expressed his appreciation for the State Minister’s explanation and Japan’s transparency. The two ministers exchanged views on climate change and regional situations, and shared the view that they would continue to strengthen bilateral relations and work closely toward the success of the PALM Interim Ministerial Meeting and PALM 10.
(3) Courtesy Call on Hon. Isaia Taape, Minister of Health, Social Welfare and Gender Affairs
State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Isaia TAAPE, Minister of Health, Social Welfare and Gender Affairs of Tuvalu.
State Minister Takei stated that Pacific Island countries such as Tuvalu are important regional partners for achieving FOIP, and that he attaches great importance to cooperating with Tuvalu. He stated that Japan has provided support to Tuvalu under the Pacific Bond (KIZUNA) Policy announced at PALM9, and stated that Japan would continue to cooperate closely with Tuvalu.
They exchanged views on the health sector, climate change, regional situations, and other areas. State Minister Takei explained that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted only after confirming that there will be no harm to the environment and human health.
In response, Minister Taape expressed his gratitude for Japan's cooperation with Tuvalu. He pointed out the importance of scientific evidence on the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea and expressed his appreciation for the State Minister’s explanation and Japan’s transparency.
2. Climate change-related visit at the northern tip of Funafuti Island
On May 5, State Minister Takei visited the northern tip of Funafuti Island, a place symbolizing the impact of climate change in Tuvalu. This is where the video of Foreign Minister Kofe’s speech released at COP26 was filmed.
3. Visit on grant aid projects
(1) Visit to Funafuti Port Wharf and Passenger Cargo Ships (Manu Folau and Nivaga III)
On May 5, State Minister Takei visited the Funafuti Port Wharf developed through Japan's grant aid and the passenger cargo ships Manu Folau and Nivaga III, also provided by Japan. He affirmed that they were well-maintained, managed, and utilized as valuable infrastructure connecting Tuvalu and other countries.
(2) Visit to Princess Margaret Hospital
On May 6, State Minister Takei visited Princess Margaret Hospital, which was established through Japan's grant aid. He affirmed that the facilities and equipment were well-maintained and managed. He also affirmed that the hospital is functioning as the sole general hospital in Tuvalu to support the country's health and medical services.
4. Roundtable discussions etc.
(1) Reception hosted by Foreign Minister Kofe
On May 4, State Minister Takei attended a welcome reception hosted by Foreign Minister Kofe.
(2) Dinner with Foreign Minister Kofe
On May 5, State Minister Takei invited Foreign Minister Kofe; Hon. Isaia Vaipuna Taape, Minister of Health, Social Welfare and Gender Affairs; and Hon. Sa’aga Talu Teafa, Minister of Local Government and Agriculture to dinner, reciprocating the reception hosted by Foreign Minister Kofe the previous day.