Japan-France Relations
Prime Minister Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from
the President of the Government of New Caledonia
May 19, 2018
On May 19, commencing at 4 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Philippe Germain, president of the government of New Caledonia, who was staying in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture to attend the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe welcomed president Germain’s attendance to PALM 8, and highly valued the importance of New Caledonia in the Pacific region. In addition, he stated that leaders had had in fruitful discussions at PALM 8 about regional challenges, such as maritime security, climate change and disaster risk reduction. In response, president Germain expressed his gratitude for the invitation to PALM 8.
- Prime Minister Abe stated his intention to work together with New Caledonia for the stability and prosperity of the region under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”. In return, president Germain expressed his support for Japan’s position toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- President Germain also explained New Caledonia’s efforts toward lifting import restrictions on Japanese food and feed, including those produced in Fukushima Prefecture.
- In addition, Prime Minister Abe shared with president Germain Japan’s views on regional affairs, including North Korea.