Japan-Palau Relations
Japan-Palau Foreign Ministers' Meeting
January 15, 2025


On January 15, commencing at 8:55 p.m. local time (same time in Japan) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Koror, Republic of Palau, held a bilateral meeting with the Hon. Gustav AITARO, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that he is pleased to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs and to visit Palau as his first visit to a Pacific Island country. He stated that last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Palau, and that in addition to the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) and three summit meetings, the "tokubetsu" (special) relationship between the two countries has progressed on various levels. Minister Iwaya expressed his intention to strengthen the "kizuna" with Palau and work with Minister Aitaro toward a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” He welcomed Palau’s intention to visit the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which is scheduled to be held this year. Minister Aitaro welcomed Minister Iwaya's visit, highly praising his participation to the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, and stated that he would like to collaborate with Minister Iwaya to deepen the "tokubetsu" relationship with Japan.
- Minister Iwaya expressed his intention to further develop the bilateral relationship founded on friendly ties. He stated that he would like to work with the Government of Palau to promote tourism, mentioning Japan Airlines' plans for direct charter flights between Narita and Palau in March. He also expressed his gratitude for Palau's cooperation in collecting remains of Japanese war dead and his desire to accelerate future activities this year, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and requested cooperations from the Government of Palau.
- Minister Iwaya went on to state that cooperation in maritime affairs and maritime safety is important, highlighting cooperation for a sustainable fishing industry including the Ngatpant fishing port. He expressed his hope for the early expansion of fishing areas of the waters of Palau and for the assurance of stable operations of Japanese fishing vessels. He also welcomed the participation of officials from the Palau Ministry of Justice in the Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program conducted by the Japan Coast Guard, noting that this marks the first-time officials from a Pacific Iisland country have taken part in this initiative. Minister Iwaya further mentioned the deployment of the Mobile Cooperation Team (MCT) by the Japan Coast Guard and expressed Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Palau in enhancing its maritime safety capabilities.
- In addition, Minister Iwaya stated his intention to advance cooperation in a variety of fields, such as the introduction of savings bond, infrastructure development, agriculture, health and education, human resource development, and renewable energy. In response, Minister Aitaro expressed his deep gratitude and expectations for Japan’s various forms of cooperation and stated his intention to further materialize these collaborations.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional situations. Minister Iwaya stated that, building on the discussions and outcomes of PALM10 held in July last year, Japan will cooperate with Palau and the broader region under the relationship of "striding forward together" toward 2050. Additionally, the two ministers affirmed their commitment to closely cooperate in preparation for PALM11, keeping in mind Palau’s role as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) starting next summer (2026).