Japan-SPF Summit Meeting and Invitation of Sir Geoffrey Henry, Chairman of the SPF (Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the Cook Islands) as Guest of the Foreign Ministry

October 9, 1997

1. The Government of Japan will invite the leaders of the 16 members of the South Pacific Forum (SPF) and hold a Japan-SPF Summit Meeting on October 13 (Mon.). The participants will also attend a banquet hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and they will be received by His Majesty The Emperor of Japan.

2. This Summit Meeting aims at finding a unique and creative way of achieving economic self-reliance of the Pacific island countries, and discussing policies for the promotion of trade, investment and tourism between Japan and these countries. This is the first ever summit between Japan and the SPF members. The Government of Japan expects that this meeting will contribute to further strengthening of the cooperative relations between Japan and the SPF members, all located in the Pacific region.

3. Sir Geoffrey A. Henry, Chairman of the SPF (Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the Cook Islands), will visit Japan as Guest of the Foreign Ministry, accompanied by a suite, from October 12 (Sun.) to 17 (Fri.) to attend the Japan-SPF Summit Meeting. During his stay in Japan, Sir Geoffrey will attend the Summit Meeting and related events, and visit Osaka and Kobe to have talks with representatives of the pearl industry and others.