Japan-Tuvalu Relations

On May 19, commencing at 2:53 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with the Hon. Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, who is staying in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, to attend the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8). The overview of the summit meeting is as follows. 

1. Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Sopoaga to Japan, along with stating that at the recent PALM8 it had been possible to hold substantive discussions on regional challenges including assuring the maritime security, capacity building of maritime safety, climate change and disaster prevention. In addition, Prime Minister Abe announced that Japan intends to continue to support Tuvalu's sustainable development, including by providing grant aid of 200 million yen for stable power supply and improving public transport services in Tuvalu. 
2. In response, Prime Minister Sopoaga explained that this grant aid will contribute to ensuring stable energy on all Tuvalu's islands, and expressed thanks for Japan's support. Prime Minister Sopoaga stated that Tuvalu constantly supports Japan in the fora of the international community, including the United Nations.
3. Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to collaborate and cooperate with Tuvalu on the basis of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy," and the two sides agreed that they will continue to hold discussions.
4. In addition, Prime Minister Abe asked that consideration be given to stable operations by Japanese fishing vessels, and requested cooperation with the prompt resolution of the abductions issue. The two leaders exchanged views on challenges and cooperation in the international community, including whaling, and on regional affairs, including North Korea.