On October 20, commencing at 17:00 pm in Samoan time, for approximately 2 hours,
the fourth Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) was
held by videoconference. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan,
co-chaired the meeting with the Hon. Simon KOFE, Minister of Justice, Communications
and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu. The overview of the meeting is as follows;
1. Minister MOTEGI explained that, since the 8th Pacific Leaders Meeting (PALM8),
Japan has strengthened its cooperation with Pacific Island countries in order to realize a
“Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. Minister MOTEGI also provided concrete examples of the
progress of Japan’s commitments made at PALM8 and stated that Japan would
continue to provide assistance and promote human resource development and people-
to-people exchanges based on the needs of Pacific Island countries. Minister MOTEGI
made special mention of the fact that Japan had provided medical supplies, equipment
and technical support to Pacific Island countries, which have been significantly affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. In response, the PIF members expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s steady
implementation of its commitments and provision of assistance to Pacific Island
countries in the areas of the pillars of cooperation expressed in PALM8: free, open and
sustainable maritime order, resilient and sustainable development and human resource
development, and people-to-people exchange.
3. The Ministers exchanged views on cooperation in international fora, including issues
related to North Korea, and shared the intent for continued close coordination between
Japan and Pacific Island countries. In connection, Minister MOTEGI sought continued
understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue.
4. The Ministers exchanged views on the vision and priorities for PALM9, to be held in
2021, and confirmed continued close cooperation toward the successful meeting.
The adopted Chairs’ Summary is attached hereto.
(Participants)
PIF members (Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tuvalu, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand).
Ends.
