Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� January, 2002

Prime Minister Meets with President of the Federated States of Micronesia January 28, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Leo A. Falcam of the Federated States of Micronesia at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori also attended the meeting. During their talks, the leaders reaffirmed the friendly cooperative relations between Japan and Micronesia that the two nations have shared based on historical ties that date back to the 19th century. President Farcam stated, "Global environmental issues are impacting on Pacific island nations. I eagerly look forward to Japan demonstrating leadership in addressing these issues, especially through the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol." Prime Minister Koizumi responded, "Environmental issues are common to both advanced nations and Pacific island nations alike. It is from that perspective that I intend to make efforts to address such issues." Furthermore, President Farcam stated "Japan hosted the PALM 2000 (the Second Japan-South Pacific Forum (SPF) Summit Meeting) in Miyazaki in April 2000. I look forward to continuing to see Japan display leadership in the Pacific region." and expressed his hopes that Japan would take initiative toward the next Japan-SPF Summit Meeting.