Hayashi: Japan-Pacific bond built through mutual trust

By Sharon Nanau in Tokyo, Japan

At the opening of the 10th Pacific Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo Japan, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the enduring bond between Japan and the Pacific region is built through mutual trust and support. 

Held every three years since 1997, this year’s event brought together members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to Japan.

Solomon Islands was represented at the meeting by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his delegation.

“The relations and bond between Japan and the Pacific is nurtured by an all-Japanese team which includes parliamentarians, local authorities, academic and non-academic organisations and the government of Japan.” 

Acknowledging the complex issues facing Japan and the Pacific region Mr Hayashi said they hope to work together with Pacific Islands Countries at PALM10 to find solutions to some of these issues.

Meanwhile PIF Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown said PLAM10 re-enforces the Japan and Pacific regions partnership. 

“This year’s event marks the celebrations of our shared values and determined efforts through genuine partnerships to better support our separate and shared aspirations for a resilient region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity,” he said. 

Reflecting on PLAM’s history Prime Minister Brown said the partnership formed in 1997 pioneered the forum’s engagement with dialogue partners. 

“As we reflect on the forum’s past three decades there is much to be proud of, draw inspiration from but more remains to be done.” 

Hon. Brown explained a cornerstone of Japan’s relations to the Pacific was in areas of cooperation and enduring commitment to peace and security. 

He added the Pacific region welcomes Japan’s abiding commitment to support the region’s goals as stated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. 

Economic development, Climate Change and Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are some of the issues to be discussed at PALM10.

The PALM10 meetings are termed as the pillars of Japan’s foreign policy with the pacific region countries. 

This year’s PALM10 is co-chaired by the leaders of Japan and PIF Chair Brown. 

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