Oceania

April 17, 2023

From April 10 to 14, Mr. TAKEI Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Republic of Vanuatu and the Republic of Fiji. The overview is as follows.

I Vanuatu (April 11 to 12)

1. Meetings with government dignitaries and others

(1) Courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Alatoi Ishmael KALSAKAU, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu

A photo of State Minister Takei with Prime Minister Karsakau Vanuatu before a courtesy call

On April 11, State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Alatoi Ishmael KALSAKAU, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu.
State Minister Takei expressed his pleasure at meeting Prime Minister Kalsakau again. He stated that Vanuatu is a precious friend tied by the Pacific Ocean and an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values. State Minister Takei also stated that Pacific Island countries such as Vanuatu are important regional partners for achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and that Japan places great importance on cooperation with Vanuatu. State Minister Takei once again conveyed Japan’s condolences to Prime Minister Kalsakau regarding the cyclone of March this year. State Minister Takei then 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 Kalsakau from Prime Minister KISHIDA stating Japan’s position.
In response, Prime Minister Kalsakau expressed his pleasure at meeting State Minister Takei again and that he would like to strengthen bilateral relations to achieve "FOIP." Prime Minister Kalsakau also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in response to the damage caused by the cyclone and stated that he understood the explanation on Japan's position on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.
State Minister Takei 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 PIF's "2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent (the 2050 Strategy)." State Minister Takei also affirmed to continue to cooperate towards the Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) to be held in Pacific Island countries for the first time this year.
The two sides concurred to strengthen bilateral cooperation and work closely together towards the success of the PALM 10.

(2) Courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Jotham NAPAT, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu

State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Jotham NAPAT, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu

On April 12, State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Jotham NAPAT, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu.
State Minister Takei expressed his pleasure at meeting Minister Napat again. He stated that Pacific Island countries such as Vanuatu are important regional partners for achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and that Japan places great importance on cooperation with Vanuatu.
State Minister Takei then 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 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. State Minister Takei also affirmed to continue to cooperate towards the Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) to be held in Pacific Island countries for the first time this year.
In response, Minister Napat pointed out the importance of scientific evidence on the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s transparency. Minister Napat expressed his gratitude for Japan's long-standing support and his willingness to participate in the PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting.

(3) Luncheon with Hon. Ralph REGENVANU, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management of the Republic of Vanuatu

State Minister Takei held a luncheon meeting with Hon. Ralph REGENVANU, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management of the Republic of Vanuatu

On April 12, State Minister Takei held a luncheon meeting with Hon. Ralph REGENVANU, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management of the Republic of Vanuatu.
State Minister Takei stated that Pacific Island countries such as Vanuatu are important regional partners for achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and that Japan places great importance on cooperation with Vanuatu. He once again conveyed Japan’s condolences to Minister Regenvanu regarding the cyclone in March this year. State Minister Takei then stated that Japan would accelerate their initiative to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in FY 2030 to address climate change, which poses the greatest threat to Pacific Island countries. He continued by stating that Japan would strengthen its support to the Pacific Island Countries region. State Minister Takei then expressed his appreciation for Vanuatu's leadership in achieving the recent adoption of the United Nations (UN) Resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. He stated that Japan's co-sponsorship of the Resolution reflects the importance Japan attaches to relations with Pacific Island countries. He 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 Regenvanu expressed his gratitude for Japan's position on climate change and requested continued cooperation. Minister Regenvanu also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in response to the damage caused by the cyclone and his appreciation for Japan's transparency on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.

2. Visit to Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department

Group photo of State Minister Takei and the members of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department

On April 12, State Minister Takei visited the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department. JICA's technical cooperation (the “Project for Enhancing the Capacity of Issuing Earthquake, Tsunami and Storm Surge Information”) is being implemented to support the development of a system to disseminate disaster prevention information through earthquake and tide level observation equipment provided by Japan through a grant aid (the “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Disaster Risk Management"). This strengthens the Department’s capacity for observation, analysis, and information transmission regarding earthquakes, tsunamis, and storm surges.

II Fiji (April 12th to April 14)

1. Meetings with government dignitaries and others

(1) Courtesy call on Hon. Manoa KAMIKAMICA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for External Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs of the Republic of Fiji

A photo of State Minister Takei with Hon. Manoa KAMIKAMICA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for External Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs of the Republic of Fiji

On April 13, State Minister Takei paid a courtesy call on Hon. Manoa KAMIKAMICA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for External Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs of the Republic of Fiji, on behalf of Prime Minister Rabuka, who had to leave the capital urgently due to circumstances in Fiji.
State Minister Takei stated that Fiji is a precious friend of Japan tied by the Pacific Ocean and an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values. He also stated that Pacific Island countries are important regional partners for achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and that Japan places great importance on cooperation with Fiji.
State Minister Takei also noted that Japan has been providing support to strengthen the foundation for sustainable and resilient economic development of Pacific Island countries through PALM, and mentioned cooperative efforts in infrastructure development, security, and climate change. He 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. State Minister Takei also explained that the discharge 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 Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica from Prime Minister Kishida addressed to Prime Minister Rabuka stating Japan’s position.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica expressed his gratitude for the support from Japan and his hope for strengthening Japan-Fiji bilateral relations on the occasion of this visit. He also expressed his appreciation for Japan’s explanations regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.
The two sides exchanged views on responses to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. They concurred on continued cooperation between Japan and Fiji.

(2) Meeting with Hon. Henry PUNA, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Photo of the meeting

On April 13, State Minister Takei held a meeting with Hon. Henry PUNA, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. State Minister Takei stated that the unity of the PIF Family is increasingly important amid the major changes occurring in the regional security environment. From this viewpoint, he stated that Japan reaffirms their unwavering support for the 2050 Strategy. He explained Japan's efforts to address climate change, which poses the greatest threat to Pacific Island countries, and stated that Japan would strengthen its support to the region.
State Minister Takei then reiterated Japan’s position that they would never approve the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea unless its safety to be confirmed, as was conveyed by Prime Minister Kishida and Minister Hayashi during the visit of PIF’s delegation to Japan. He explained the progress on this matter since February.
In response, Secretary General Puna expressed his gratitude for Japan's cooperation with the PIF and stated that he would like to continue dialogues with Japan regarding the ALPS treated water discharge.
The two sides exchanged views on responses to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, and on the situation in Ukraine and concurred on continuing cooperation and affirmed that they would work together towards the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) to be held next year.

2. Visit to the JICA Fiji Office

Photo of State Minister Takei and the JICA Fiji Office staff

On April 13, State Minister Takei visited the JICA Fiji Office and exchanged views with the staff.

3. Visit to the University of the South Pacific (USP)

State Minister Takei visited the University of the South Pacific (USP)
State Minister Takei visited ICT center

On April 13, State Minister Takei visited the University of the South Pacific (USP). Japan had previously provided support to the university for marine research facilities, supported the installation of satellite links, line management facilities, and antennas to improve distance learning, and in the establishment of an ICT center.

4. Roundtables and other events

(1) Luncheon with Japanese residents in Fiji

State Minister Takei participated in a luncheon with Japanese residents in Fiji

On April13, State Minister Takei participated in a luncheon with Japanese residents in Fiji.

(2) Roundtables with international organization staff (Japanese nationals)

State Minister Takei participated in a roundtable with international relations officials (Japanese nationals)

On April 13, State Minister Takei participated in a roundtable with international relations officials (Japanese nationals).


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