Japan-Papua New Guinea Relations

On November 7, commencing at 6:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with the Hon. Rimbink Pato, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) on the margins of the Viet Nam - APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows. 

1. First, Minister Kono expressed congratulations on Minister Pato’s re-election in the general election held in PNG from June to July this year, and reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Minister Kono explained that PNG is an important partner that shares deep historical and economic ties with Japan, and that he intends to cooperate closely toward next year’s Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8). In response, Minister Pato expressed gratitude for Japan’s APEC support to PNG, and stated that he hopes to further deepen the relationship of cooperation between the two countries in the future.
2. The two ministers shared the view that they will cooperate toward PALM 8, which will be held in Fukushima in May next year, and the APEC that PNG will host in November next year. 
3. Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views on the situation of North Korea, and Minister Pato expressed strong support for Japan’s position concerning North Korea, including the abductions issue.
4. Minister Kono expressed his appreciation for PNG's consistent support for Japan in the international arena, and the two ministers shared the view that the two countries will continue to work together closely.