Friday, May 22, 2009

1st Day of the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5)

Prime Minister Taro Aso visited Tomamu, Shimukappu village, Hokkaido, to attend the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5). Pacific Islands Leaders Meetings have been convened every three years since 1997 (i.e. in 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006), with the purpose of strengthening relations between Japan and the Pacific island countries and working together for the development of the region. The fifth meeting was convened this year on May 22 and 23, with Japan and Niue serving as Co-Chairs, and under the catchphrase "We are islanders - towards an eco-friendly and rich Pacific." The leaders exchanged views on matters such as the situation in the Pacific region and Japan-PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) relations.

Having arrived at the venue a little past noon, Prime Minister Aso held separate talks prior to PALM5 with four leaders of the participating countries -- Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Mr. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, Hon. Mr. Marcus Stephen, President of the Republic of Nauru, and Hon. Mr. Apisai Ielemia, Prime Minister of Tuvalu -- and exchanged views on matters such as bilateral relations with the respective countries.

Following the welcome ceremony and the photograph session with the participating leaders, the opening ceremony was held. The first session started with the opening addresses by Prime Minister Aso and Hon. Mr. Toke Tufukia Talagi, Premier of Niue and a co-chair of the meeting. During the session, the leaders discussed major issues facing the island countries, including environmental and climate change issues.

Later, Prime Minister Aso held separate talks with two leaders of the participating countries --　H.E. Mr. Litokwa Tomeing, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hon. Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga -- and exchanged views on matters such as bilateral relations with the respective countries.

In the evening, Prime Minister Aso hosted a dinner, welcoming the leaders with a variety of performances such as a Heigen Daiko drum beating and a Yosakoi Soran dance performance. The first day of PALM5 thus came to an end.

Related Link

• Press Conference by Prime Minister Taro Aso and Premier Toke Tufukia Talagi of Niue
  Following the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5) (23 May 2009)
• 2nd Day of the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5)
• Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM5) (May 22-23, 2009) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Samoa Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Solomon Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Tuvalu Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Nauru Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Marshall Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Tonga Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)