Japan-Papua New Guinea Summit Meeting

On September 27, commencing at 8:40 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with the Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, who was visiting Japan to attend the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Abe. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida congratulated Prime Minister Marape on his re-election and welcomed his first visit to Japan as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Kishida also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Marape's attendance at the State Funeral and his condolences to former Prime Minister Abe's passing.

2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan particularly emphasizes on the importance of Papua New Guinea, which is the keystone of stability and prosperity of the Pacific Islands region and has strong ties with Japan including through trade in natural resources. Also, Prime Minister Kishida explained that Japan would continue to strongly support Papua New Guinea under Japan’s Pacific Bond (KIZUNA) Policy.

3. The two leaders welcomed progress of medical cooperation as well as defense cooperation, including the port visit by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Kirisame to Port Moresby and Japan’s support for capacity building of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force's Military Band and Corps of Engineers.

4. The two leaders exchanged views on regional affairs, and concurred to the necessity that principles such as the rule of law are firmly respected. Furthermore, the two leaders affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues, such as the ballistic missile launch on September 25th as well as the abductions issue.