Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Japan-Vanuatu Summit Meeting

Prime Minister Taro Aso held talks with Mr. Edward Natapei, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, who is visiting Japan to attend the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5), at the Prime Minister's Office. During the talks, the leaders discussed matters such as Japan-Vanuatu bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Aso welcomed Prime Minister Natapei's participation in PALM5, and requested Prime Minister Natapei's cooperation so as to realize fruitful talks at PALM5. In response, Prime Minister Natapei stated that he had attended PALM3 in Okinawa, and expressed appreciation for the invitation that he had received once again to participate in PALM5.

On bilateral relations, Prime Minister Aso stated that he understood that Vanuatu, having tourism resources such as bungee jumping and volcanic mountain tours, attached importance on the development of the tourism industry, and that the number of Japanese visitors to the country had been on a steady increase. To this, Prime Minister Natapei stated that Vanuatu would strive to develop tourism infrastructures, including the construction of a new airport, with donors' support.

Prime Minister Natapei explained the situation in Fiji upon the request of Prime Minister Aso that Vanuatu, as a fellow member of Melanesia, intended to continue to engage in dialogue with Fiji for the democratization of the country.　

Related Link

• Japan-Vanuatu Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)