Japan – Palau Summit Meeting (Summary)

[Provisional translation]

On July 17, commencing at 9:45am for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Palau Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, who is visiting Japan to participate in the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Prime Minister Kishida stated that at PALM 10, with the cooperation of President Whipps, he wishes to further strengthen the “kizuna” between Japan and the Pacific Island countries, to discuss cooperation aligned with the “2050 Strategy for Blue Pacific Continent,” and to make the meeting an opportunity to communicate domestically as well as internationally the direction that Japan and the Pacific Island countries are taking together.
2. Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that chartered flight to Palau is scheduled to operate from around March 2025. He also conveyed the decision on the project to refurbish Minato Bridge, while Japan would render its support to the introduction of the savings bond. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he was looking forward to the expansion of fishing area of waters in Palau, and that Japan would conduct survey for the development of Palau’s fishing industry including the Ngatpant fishing port. In response, President Whipps expressed his gratitude for Japan’s sincere cooperation.
3. Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his deep appreciation to President Whipps for sharing his confidence on safety domestically as well as internationally, and Japan would continue its efforts to ensure safety. President Whipps expressed once again his confidence in Japan’s measures to secure it.
4. On other topics, both leaders also exchanged candid views on various regional issues. On cyber security, Prime Minister Kishida stated on Japan’s intention to cooperate on improving Palau’s resilience through strengthening telecommunication network by open Radio Access Network (RAN) and cooperation on cyber defense exercise with recurrence. President Whipps expressed his appreciation.