Oceania

On the 25th, Special Advisor OUE visited the “Monument to the War Dead of the South Pacific,” in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, - one of the memorial monuments to the war dead established overseas by the Government of Japan- and laid a wreath, expressing condolences to the war dead.

On the 26th, Special Advisor OUE paid a courtesy call on Hon. James MARAPE, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Special Advisor OUE stated that last year’s 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea was a symbolic milestone that reaffirmed the two countries’ cooperation and collaboration. He added that, taking this opportunity, Japan wishes to further develop bilateral relations based on the strong friendship between the two countries and our shared values and principles. Special Advisor OUE also touched on the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11) to be held in Japan next year, and both sides concurred to work closely together. Prime Minister Marape expressed his expectations for the further development of bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on the regional situation.

On the 26th, Special Advisor OUE held a meeting with Rear Admiral Philip POLEWARA, DMS, CBE, Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and expressed gratitude for Papua New Guinea’s participation in JPIDD, saying that, as friends bound by the Pacific, they wish to work together for the peace, stability, and security in the region. He also expressed his pleasure at having signed the exchange of notes regarding the OSA with Papua New Guinea last year. Rear Admiral Polewara expressed his gratitude for the support provided to the PNG military band and engineering units, as well as for the assistance provided through the OSA. Both sides concurred on further promoting security cooperation.

Special Advisor OUE also held a meeting with Mr. Levi Mano, Provincial Administrator of the East New Britain Provincial Administration, regarding relations between Japan and Rabaul and future development strategies for East New Britain Province. Special Advisor OUE also met with Japanese nationals residing in Rabaul and Port Moresby to exchange views.

On the 28th, Special Advisor OUE held a meeting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ’Ulukalala, Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga and expressed his gratitude for HRH Crown Prince’s participation in JPIDD. He stated that he wished to work together on promoting peace, stability and security in the region, as a friend connected by the Pacific Ocean. He also stated that the long-standing friendship between Japan’s Imperial Family and Tonga’s Royal Family is the cornerstone of the friendship between our two countries and welcomed the further strengthening of bilateral relationship, through HRH Crown Prince’s visit to Japan. HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ’Ulukalala expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Government and people of Japan to date. Both sides also exchanged views on regional affairs.

On the 29th, Special Advisor OUE held a meeting with Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, Chief of the Defence Staff, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and exchanged views on cooperation in the security field and concurred on further promoting security cooperation.