Japan-Vanuatu Relations

On May 19, commencing at 2:26 p.m. for approximately 26 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with the Hon. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of Republic of Vanuatu, 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 noted that Japan opened a diplomatic mission in Vanuatu in January this year, and stated that he hopes to use this as an opportunity to forge a closer relationship between the two countries, along with explaining that at  PALM8 substantive discussions took place regarding challenges facing the region including assuring themaritime security, capacity building of maritime safety , climate change and disaster prevention. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe announced that Japan intends to provide support for improving Vanuatu's disaster prevention capability through grant aid of 250 million yen, and explained that Japan will continue to support Vanuatu's sustainable development.  
2. In response, Prime Minister Salwai expressed gratitude for his first visit to Japan and the hospitality extended by the Japanese side accompanying that, along with welcoming the successful completion of PALM8 and explaining that through the opening of Japan's diplomatic mission in Vanuatu and other initiatives he hopes to elevate the bilateral relationship, which has been deepening since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1981, to a higher level. Prime Minister Salwai expressed gratitude for the development assistance extended by Japan thus far. 
3. Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to collaborate and cooperate with Vanuatu on the basis of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy," and the leaders agreed that they will continue to hold discussions. 
4. Prime Minister Abe requested cooperation with promptly resolving the abductions issue. Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged views on challenges and cooperation in the international community, and on regional affairs, including North Korea.