Japan stands with Pacific Islands on climate issues

JAPAN is committed to working hand in hand with Pacific Island countries to address the region’s needs, particularly in climate change and maritime affairs, says its Foreign Affairs Minister Yoko Kamikawa.

She gave the assurance at the 5th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) Ministerial Interim Meeting in Suva on Monday where the ministers discussed their follow-up on the outcomes of the Ninth (PALM9) as well as their visions and priorities for PALM10, scheduled for July 24 in Tokyo.

Ms Kamikawa said in working towards PALM10, Japan would work together with the region for a resilient, sustainable and stable region.

She said Japan is and would continue to be a friend of the Pacific and would continue to strengthen its co-operation with the region.

Cook Islands Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources and Parliamentary Services Minister Tingika Elikana shared their determination to continue close consultation in preparation for a successful PALM10.

“We value Japan’s role as a long-standing Forum Dialogue Partner and we also see our PALM partnership as a critical means of strengthening our region’s relationship with Japan,” Mr Elikana said.

“As the Pacific Islands Forum, we wish to reaffirm, the 2050 Strategy and its Implementation Plan now frame the partnerships we seek and engage as a collective.

“The value and strength of our partnerships will be measured against commitments and support for the priorities outlined in the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan.”

Mr Elikana said partnerships would be central to the achievement of these priorities and outcomes.