The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor recently paid a courtesy visit to the Japanese Embassy in Fiji meeting H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan.
Meeting for the first time, Secretary General Taylor and Ambassador Hanatani discussed the upcoming seventh Japan and Pacific Leaders Meeting (PALM 7) and issues of common interest for the Pacific region.
“Japan is an important and long-standing Post-Forum Dialogue partner to the Pacific Island Forum countries,” Taylor stated.
“We look forward to further building this foundation through the upcoming PALM 7 and preparatory meetings.”
The Pacific Leaders Meeting or PALM was initiated by Japan in 1997 to strengthen relations with Pacific Island Forum countries and work jointly towards the development of the Pacific Region.
Through the PALM process, Japan and Pacific Island countries have an opportunity to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations.
PALM Meetings are held every 3 years, with the most recent PALM6 held in May 2012 in Okinawa. PALM 7 will be held in Iwaki City on May 22-23rd, 2015. ENDS
For further information and enquiries contact media@forumsec.org
