Friday, May 16, 2003

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Okinawa on May 16 in order to attend the Third Japan-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit Meeting (PALM 2003) being held in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. The PALM (abbreviation of Pacific Island Leaders Meeting) is held with the aim of exchanging opinions on various issues facing Pacific Island Countries and further enhancing the partnership between Japan and the Pacific Island Countries. This is the third meeting of the Summit. The opening ceremony was held in the afternoon and Prime Minister Koizumi, who served as a co-chair with Mr. Laisenia Qarase, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Islands, made an address in which he stated that the significance of this meeting was to determine concrete action for "sustainable development" appropriate for the Pacific Region. He also stated that for its part, Japan would intend to take an active role in enhancing primary education, preventing terrorism and international crime and protecting the environment. Immediately following that, the discussion was taken place under the first day's themes including security and economic relations. Prior to the Opening Ceremony of the PALM, Prime Minister Koizumi held a summit meeting with Mr. Michael Somare, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. The leaders exchanged opinions on bilateral relations and other matters.