Press Releases
Grant Assistance to Niue: Signing and Exchange of Notes on “the Economic and Social Development Programme” (Support for strengthening disaster response capability)
On November 11, in Wellington, New Zealand, H.E. Mr. OSAWA Makoto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Niue, and the Honourable Mr. Dalton Emani Makamau TAGELAGI, Prime Minister of Niue, signed and exchanged notes for "the Economic and Social Development Programme" to Niue for strengthening disaster response capability (project up to 140 million yen).
- This project aims at strengthening disaster preparedness in Niue by providing Japanese-manufactured disaster response equipment such as wheel loaders and excavators, thereby contributing to the Niue's economic and social development.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the "Joint Action Plan" issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held on July 18, 2024, Japan has announced “Climate Change and Disasters" as the priority area of Japan’s cooperation, and this cooperation embodies the Plan.
- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Niue. It is expected that implementation of the project will contribute to further strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the two countries.
(Reference1) Basic Data on Niue
Niue’s land area is approximately 259 square kilometers. Niue has a population of 1,673 people (2023, Asian Development Bank).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10)
On July 16-18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by Prime Minister KISHIDA and Prime Minister BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organization including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Prime Minister Dalton TAGELAGI represented Niue.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.