Japan-Papua New Guinea Relations
Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Meeting
On February 12, commencing at 10:20 a.m. local time (7:20 a.m. February 12 JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Suva, Fiji, to attend the 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting of the PALM, held a meeting with Hon. Justin W. TKATCHENKO, BEM, OL, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The overview is as follows.
At the outset, Minister Kamikawa congratulated Minister Tkatchenko for his re-appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. She also expressed her wish to strengthen cooperation based on common values and principles in addition to their "kizuna" ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea next year.
Minister Kamikawa expressed her appreciation for the stable supply of LNG from Papua New Guinea and the continuous support for the stable operation of Japanese fishing vessels and the collection of remains of war dead. She also mentioned that the Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, which opened last October, is a symbol of the friendly relationship between the two countries and one of Japan's consistent efforts for sustainable and resilient development of the entire region. In response, Minister Tkachenko stated that the relation with Japan is special among the bilateral relations and expressed his intention to further strengthen it as well as his gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for its cooperation over the years.
Minister Kamikawa stated that, as the world is at a turning point in history, it is necessary to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to ensure a world where human dignity is protected. The Ministers also held a candid exchange of views on response to the regional situation including security.
Regarding the discharge of the ALPS treated water into the sea, Minister Kamikawa expressed her sincere gratitude for understanding of and support by Papua New Guinea. Minister Tkatchenko re-expressed his appreciation for Japan’s highly transparent response. The two ministers concurred to work even more closely toward the PALM 10 to be held this year.
Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for Prime Minister Marape's condolences and sympathy for the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and presented a box foiled with Kanazawa gold leaf in hope of supporting the recovery of the affected areas.