Press Releases
Grant Assistance to the Republic of the Marshall Islands: Signing and Exchange of Notes on "the Project for Strengthening Local Food Supply"
On February 24 (same day local time), in Majuro, the capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Mr. SOMA Hirohisa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Ms. Hilary VANDERWEY, Head of Sub-Office for the IOM Country Office in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, signed and exchanged notes on "the Project for Strengthening Local Food Supply" (project up to 203 million yen).
- Republic of the Marshall Islands is vulnerable to climate change because of its atoll geography, and its food production environment is becoming increasingly harsh due to limited arable land, water scarcity, and rising temperatures. This project will introduce climate-resilient sustainable agricultural techniques to increase food production and reduce dependence on imported food. It will improve people's living conditions, prevent involuntary migration and displacement caused by climate change, and contribute to overcoming vulnerability.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan” issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in July 2024, Japan committed to addressing human security challenges by identifying “People-Centered Development” as one of its key areas of cooperation. Japan also pledged to advance cooperation in the Pacific region, which is most vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise and climate and disaster risks. This project embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Republic of the Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers an area of 180 square kilometers, a population of approximately 39 thousand (World Bank, 2023), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$8,380 (World Bank, 2024).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10)
From July 16 to July 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by former 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 organizations including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of the PIF. President Dr. Hilda C. HEINE represented the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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 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.