Press Releases

On the 18th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina met with Mr. Baron Devavesi Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, and exchanged views on strengthening relations between Japan and the PIF.

On the 19th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina attended the Pacific Infrastructure Conference hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council. Ms. Ikuina delivered a keynote speech on Japan's cooperation with Pacific Island countries. In her speech, Ms. Ikuina explained the enhancement of Japan-Pacific Island countries relations through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) process and bilateral assistance. She also briefed on the Japan's efforts of infrastructure development, particularly strengthening the connectivity and resilience of Pacific Island countries. She expressed Japan’s commitment to further strengthen “kizuna”, a bond of trust between Japan and Pacific Island countries.

On the 19th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina met with Hon Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, and exchanged views on strengthening relations between Japan and Tuvalu.

On the 18th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina met with Mr. Cameron Dick, Deputy Queensland Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Planning and Regional Development and Mr. Hermann Vorster, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction, exchanging views on economic relations between Japan and Queensland, as well as on people-to-people exchanges.

On the 18th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina visited Wellers Hill State School, which offers bilingual education in Japanese and English.

On the 18th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina held discussions with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Queensland and organizations supporting Japanese residents in Queensland, exchanging views on local situations, as well as business environment in the region.