Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting (Summary)

[Provisional translation]

On March 13, commencing at 6:25 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Hilda C HEINE, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who was visiting Japan.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida congratulated President Heine on her inauguration and stated that Japan and the Marshall Islands share deep historical ties and fundamental values and principles, and are longtime friends connected by the Pacific Ocean, and that he hopes to further strengthen the relations.
2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would continue its effort which would contribute to overcoming the challenges of the Marshall Islands through bilateral efforts and the Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting (PALM) process. He also mentioned that as part of such efforts, Japan would promote cooperation on the refurbishment of the Amata Kabua International Airport Terminal. President Heine expressed her gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for its assistance including the said cooperation. The two leaders concurred on the importance of further enhancement of the bilateral relation.
3. Prime Minister Kishida stated that he looked forward to discussing common challenges such as climate change, maritime sector, and the free and open international order at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting (PALM 10), to be held this year, to pursue results aligned with the Pacific Islands Forum's "2050 Strategy". The two leaders concurred to work closely for the success of PALM 10.
4. Regarding the ALPS treated water, Prime Minister Kishida assured that Japan would continue to take a science-based approach and share information with the international community including the Marshall Islands in a transparent manner, with the involvement of the IAEA.
5. The two leaders also held a candid exchange of views on regional situation.