Courtesy Call to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi by the Honorable Laisenia Qarase, Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands
On October 9, the Honorable Laisenia Qarase, Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at his official residence. The following is a summary of the meeting.
1. Prime Minister Koizumi kicked off the meeting inquiring Prime Minister Qarase of the domestic political situation in Fiji. To this, Prime Minister Qarase responded as follows:
(1)There was a political disorder in 2000, but the situation has now completely returned to normal.
(2) I wish to thank the government of Japan for the understanding and support during the normalization process as well as assistance extended to Fiji during the general election in August last year.
2.
(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated as follows:
Japan, being an island nation just like the member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), would like to continue to strengthen its cooperation with the PIF. In view of this, Japan will host the Third Japan-PIF Summit Meeting (PALM 2003) next year.
(2) To this, Prime Minister Qarase responded as follows:
(a) We have great expectations for the PALM 2003 and I will do my utmost for its success as Chairman of the PIF.
(b) You (Prime Minister Koizumi) made a wonderful speech at the Johannesburg Summit (WSSD) and all the island countries value it highly, especially the specific aid commitment given in the speech.
(c) I would like the agenda of the PALM 2003 to reflect the viewpoint of actualizing the results of the WSSD.
3.
(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated as follows:
(a) Island nations are greatly concerned with global warming. In Japan, the government and the private sector are both trying to realize a recycling-oriented society. To give specific examples, we are developing scientific technology regarding trash recycling and promoting the development of low emission vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.
(b) I believe Fiji still retains beautiful nature. In Japan, we experienced a period of serious sea and air pollution in the process of achieving high economic growth. Learning from this experience, we are emphasizing to other countries the importance of balancing environmental protection and economic development.
(2) To this, Prime Minister Qarase responded as follows:
(a) Balancing environmental protection and economic development is a very important issue for island countries. Global warming is a matter of grave concern. It is not just a theoretical problem but an actual threat.
(b) We highly regard Japan's leadership in the Kyoto Protocol. Fiji will continue to appeal to Australia, US as well as other developing countries for the ratification of the protocol.
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