Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > June, 2005

Japan-Vanuatu Summit Meeting Wednesday, June 29, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Ham Lini, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed about the bilateral relations, the United Nations (UN) reform and cooperation at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), among other topics. With regard to the bilateral relations, Prime Minister Lini stated, "I would like to express my respect for Prime Minister Koizumi for showing strong leadership in the international community over the course of the past four years. Japan is one of the most important development partners of Vanuatu. I would like to take this opportunity to once again extend our appreciation for the cooperation provided by Japan." Furthermore, on the topic of the UN reform, Prime Minister Lini commented that "Vanuatu supports Model A of the reform that has been proposed and has already expressed its support for Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council." Prime Minister Koizumi first expressed his gratitude for the support extended by Prime Minister Lini regarding Japan's bid for permanent membership as well as the draft framework. He then stated that "Japan intends to actively provide cooperation including economic cooperation and through the PALM as well. Though separated by a massive body of water, Japan and Vanuatu share common interests as island countries, thus I wish for us to together work on our common issues." Prime Minister Koizumi further noted, "I also look forward to discussing those issues of concern as island countries such as global warming and the rising sea level."