Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The 6th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 6)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) which will be officially starting from tomorrow. In the area of the participating countries - the South Pacific countries, China has been increasing its economic influence. In relation to this, can you discuss what strategic and diplomatic implications PALM will have in the future in the view of the Japanese Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Pacific countries and Japan share deep, historicalkizuna (bonds of friendship). My understanding of these countries is that they not only supply fishery resources and so on to Japan, but also have traditionally supported Japan at international fora, including the United Nations. While I believe this meeting is being held based on the recognition that the further reinforcement of relations with Pacific countries is important also strategically in the context of the area's significantly changing strategic environment in recent years, I believe that is not all. The meeting is also aimed at deepening cooperation with the island countries vulnerable to climate change, disasters, and so forth, and furthermore, supporting their sustainable development from the standpoint of human security which Japan consistently makes note of. I believe this is the major significance of the forthcoming PALM.

(Abridged)