Japan-Cook Islands Summit Meeting

[Provisional translation]

On February 7, commencing at 3:30 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands who is vising to Japan as the head of the delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan and the Cook Islands are important partners tied with the Pacific Ocean and he welcomed Prime Minister Brown's visit to Japan, and the two leaders agreed to cooperate closely towards the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."

2. The two leaders also discussed Japan-Cook Islands relationship and Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan has been providing support for Pacific Island countries including the Cook Islands taking into account their needs and continue to consider support in various fields. In response, Prime Minister Brown expressed his gratitude for various support Japan has provided and he would like to further strengthen Japan-Cook Islands cooperation.

3. The two leaders also exchanged the views on ALPS treated water and Prime Minister Kishida reiterated, as Prime Minister of Japan bearing responsibility to the Japanese people and the international community, his commitment to ensuring that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea will not be allowed in a manner that endangers the lives of Japanese citizens or those of the citizens of Pacific Island countries, and adversely affects human health and the marine environment.

4. The two leaders confirmed that Japan and the Cook Islands, the incoming chair of the PIF, will work closely together towards the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in next year.