REMARKS: Her Excellency Yoko Kamikawa at the 5th PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting

I am honored to be co-chairing with Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Elikana this PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting that is being held in a Pacific Island country for the first time. I would like to thank the Government of Fiji for hosting this event and the PIF Secretariat for its cooperation in the preparations.

Japan has been the first in the world to establish a forum in 1997 to discuss future visions with the entire Pacific Island countries. The PALM process itself embodies Japan’s support for regional unity, which becomes more important than ever. Indeed, we share the “Blue Pacific Continent”. We also share the future. Therefore, Japan is committed to working and in hand with Pacific Islands Countries for a resilient, sustainable, and stable region.

Today, I would like to renew our commitment to work together to address the changing situations and challenges, while cherishing ‘Kizuna’ and its spirit that our PLAM has cultivated. I look forward to following up on the major achievements of PALM 9 and having a meaningful discussion for the success of PLAM 10.

[ENDS]