Japan-Micronesia Summit Meeting

 
On February 2, commencing at 6:35 p.m. for approximately 95 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting and working dinner with H.E. Mr. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), who is currently visiting Japan. The summary of the meeting and working dinner is as follows. Following the summit meeting, a signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes on the provision of medical equipment (Grant Assistance for Economic and Social Development Program) was held in the presence of the two leaders. In addition, the two leaders issued the Joint Statement between Japan and FSM.
 
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan and FSM are good friends and important partners that have historically deep ties and share bonds or “kizuna”. Prime Minister Kishida also welcomed President Panuelo’s visit to Japan.
 
2. Prime Minister Kishida explained that Japan will continue to strongly support the sustainable development of FSM through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), which will mark its 10th anniversary next year, and bilateral efforts. President Panuelo expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support, including the provision of medical equipment on which the two countries signed the Exchange of Notes on this occasion and information sharing on countermeasures for COVID-19.
 
3. The two leaders shared the recognition that at a time when the international order is shaken by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is even more important for countries sharing fundamental values, such as democracy and the rule of law, to be united, and that the status quo must not be changed unilaterally by force anywhere in the world. President Panuelo expressed his total support for and commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, and the two leaders confirmed their commitment to close cooperation toward this realization.
 
4. Prime Minister Kishida explained that, under the most severe and complex security environment surrounding Japan in the postwar era, Japan formulated a new National Security Strategy at the end of last year to fundamentally strengthen its defense capabilities and enhance its diplomatic initiatives. In response, President Panuelo offered his understanding and support for Japan's policy.
 
5. The two leaders discussed the situation in the Pacific Island countries region and shared the importance of ensuring the integrity of the Pacific Island countries, including through cooperation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Prime Minister Kishida also stated that Japan would continue to provide support for the Pacific Island countries in cooperation with like-minded countries, including by utilizing the "Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP)."
 
6. The two leaders expressed grave concern over attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force or coercion in the East and South China Seas.
 
7. The two leaders also agreed to work together to strengthen the functions of the United Nations, including through reform of the Security Council. The two leaders confirmed that they would continue to cooperate in responding to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile issue and the abduction issue.
 
8. Prime Minister Kishida explained that, as committed at PALM 9, the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted while firmly ensuring no harm to the environment and human health, and that Japan would continue to provide the Pacific Islands countries and regions with explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent and sincere manner, while continuing to undergo review by the IAEA. In response, President Panuelo expressed his personal gratitude for transparent briefings on ALPS treated water by H.E. MICHIGAMI, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, which has proven extraordinarily fruitful for the FSM’s understanding on this complex matter. President Panuelo also stated that the FSM is no longer as fearful or concerned as previously related at the United Nations General Assembly and that the FSM now has deep trust in Japan’s intentions and Japan’s technological capabilities in not harming our shared oceanic assets and resources.