Press Releases
Japan-Marshall Islands Foreign Ministers' Meeting
February 8, 2023
On February 8, commencing at 1:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Ms. Kitlang KABUA, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands who is vising to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Hayashi welcomed Foreign Minister Kabua’s visit to Japan and stated that he looks forward to working together for further development of the amicable bilateral relations and realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan has been steadily providing assistance to the Marshall Islands, in accordance with the commitments made at the 9th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM9), and will continue to strongly support the Marshall Islands based on the needs. In response, Minister Kabua expressed her appreciation for Japan's continued commitment and support for Pacific Island countries, including the Marshall Islands.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the discharge of ALPS treated water. Minister Hayashi stated that Japan addresses the discharge of ALPS treated water with the highest priority on safety, which is also vital for the revitalization of Fukushima. Minister Hayashi also explained that the discharge will not be allowed in a manner that dangers human health and the marine environment. The two ministers confirmed the importance of the intensive dialogue on this matter, as concurred at the meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and the Delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) on February 7th.