Japan-Cook Islands Summit Meeting (Summary)
May 20, 2023
On May 20, commencing at 11:20 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Mark Brown，Prime Minister of the Cook Islands who is visiting Japan to attend the Outreach Meeting of the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his pleasure at seeing Prime Minister Brown again since his last visit to Japan in February as the head of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) delegation. The two leaders concurred in the importance of cooperation with a broad range of partners beyond the G7 to address the challenges facing the international community. Prime Minister Brown stated that it was an honor to participate in the meeting on behalf of Pacific Island countries.
- The two leaders also discussed Japan-Cook Islands relationship, and Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would continue to actively consider providing support that is in line with the priorities of the Cook Islands. Prime Minister Brown expressed his gratitude for the various assistance Japan has provided to the Cook Islands and his desire to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
- Prime Minister Kishida expressed his strong support for the PIF's "2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent" and the "family first" principle for the regional peace and security. He also stated that, in order to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)", Japan would continue to cooperate with the Pacific Island countries making full use of Japan’s own strengths while respecting the agendas of the countries.
- In addition, regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan, after concurring with the PIF delegation in February in the importance of intensive dialogues, has been duly implementing dialogues with the Pacific Island countries at the political and expert levels. In response, Prime Minister Brown expressed his appreciation for those Japan's efforts.
- The two leaders also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific situation and the response to the situation in Ukraine, and concurring in working closely together.
- The two leaders confirmed that both countries would cooperate closely for the PALM Interim Ministerial Meeting this year and PALM 10 next year, given that the Cook Islands is this year's PIF chair country.
