Iwaki, Fukusima, Japan (May 19, 2018) - Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, the Honourable Shinzo Abe, for the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), in Iwaki-city, Fukushima, Japan on Saturday 19 May.
Held every three years, the PALM is an important platform for Japan and Forum Leaders to discuss and collaborate on opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific region.
Forum Chair and PALM Co-chair, the Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa, emphasised Forum Leaders’ commitment to collective regional action, and to inclusive and enduring partnerships that advance regional priorities.
“The Blue Pacific represents our collective identity, drawing on our connection to the Pacific Ocean, and reinvigorates our commitment to work together in building a harmonious and prosperous region. Japan has been a longstanding Forum Dialogue Partner and we look forward to productive discussions and to strengthening collaboration at PALM 8,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa.
Forum Leaders and Prime Minister Abe will discuss areas of critical concern to the Pacific region. Climate change and disaster resilient development will be at the forefront of the agenda including strengthening leadership in international negotiations and proactive efforts to build resilience to disasters in Forum Island Countries.
Leaders will discuss the governance and the sustainable management of the Pacific Ocean, including fisheries and protecting and preserving the marine environment. Options to strengthen people to people links between Forum Island Countries and Japan will also be discussed.
French Polynesia and New Caledonia will attend the PALM for the first time since their admission as full Members of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2016.
PALM was initiated in 1997 to strengthen relations with Pacific Island countries and to work jointly towards the development of the Pacific region.
(Picture: Japan's National Daily - Caption: Kindergarteners greet leaders of countries participating in the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, in front of JR Yumoto Station in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, on May 18, 2018.)
