Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: Leaders and other officials of Pacific Island countries visited Japan in succession from last week to this week, and I would like to provide a comprehensive overview at the outset.

Last week, Foreign Minister Iwaya held a meeting with Mr. Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting was held. Yesterday, March 18, the Japan- Federated States of Micronesia Working Dinner and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting were held.

With these leaders and officials, it was confirmed that Japan and Pacific Island countries will consistently work together to address common challenges as important partners sharing values and principles, given the increasingly complex strategic environment in the region.

Additionally, President Simina of Micronesia, who visited the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, expressed his understanding and welcome for Japan’s efforts on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea. Foreign Minister Robert of the country stated that he would like to share Japan’s efforts with other Pacific Island countries.

Needless to say, Pacific Island countries and regions are Japan’s neighbors across the Pacific Ocean. They have deep historical “Kizuna” (bonds of trust) with Japan, are pro-Japanese, and are important countries that support Japan’s position in the international community.

Japan firstly held the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) with Pacific Island countries in 1997, and has been hosting the meeting every three years. Last July, Japan held PALM10 in Tokyo.

We will continue to make efforts to strengthen relations with Pacific Island countries.

That is all from me.