Japan-Palau Relations

On May 18, commencing at 3:20 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, during his stay in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, to attend the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8). The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe stated that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of Palau's independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, and expressed his intention to develop even closer bilateral relations. Prime Minister Abe also said that he wishes to discuss various regional issues at PALM8, such as maritime security, the enhancement of maritime security capacity, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will continue to support the sustainable development of Palau, through the provision of emergency grant aid (approximately 1.3 billion yen) related to the Project for the Construction of National Landfill site on Babeldaob, the signing ceremony for which was held on May 16, and other initiatives. 
2. In response, President Remengesau expressed his gratitude for Japan's hosting of PALM8. Additionally, President Remengesau stated that assistance related to the landfill site is important for the conservation of Palau's environment, and expressed his thanks for Japan's assistance.
3. Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to coordinate and cooperate with Palau under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. President Remengesau replied that all countries should respect the rule of law and both leaders agreed to work together under the aforementioned strategy. 
4. President Remengesau explained that Palau has designated the day on which Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Palau as a national holiday, and that many Japanese people visit Palau each year, to which Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude.
5. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested Palau's consideration for the stable operations of Japanese fishing vessels and its cooperation for the recovery of the remains of war dead. Furthermore, both leaders exchanged views on the issues, such as whaling, and cooperation among the international community, as well as regional affairs, including North Korea.