By Op-ed Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan
Japan and Pacific Island countries and regions, connected by the Pacific Ocean and kizuna (bonds), have been and will continue to be mutually indispensable partners.
The circle of friendship between Japan and the Pacific islands has been expanded through exchanges in various areas, including in sports and at the local government level. Tuna and bonito caught in the waters around Pacific Island nations have long enriched Japanese people’s food culture. Over the years, Japan and Pacific Island countries and regions have worked hand in hand to tackle common challenges such as climate change and disaster management and prevention.
Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have dedicated themselves to the development of each country alongside local communities, sometimes even before the establishment of diplomatic relations. I have personally heard from Pacific Island leaders heart-warming stories about their contributions, of which I am very proud.
It was back in the 20th century when the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting was initiated. I have been involved in the PALM process for over a decade now. At the second Ministerial Interim Meeting in 2013, which I attended as foreign minister, I stressed that Japan and Pacific Island countries were steadily deepening dialogue and cooperation and highlighted the importance of our mutual cooperation. This is the spirit that we have proudly cultivated and carried on to this day.
It has been 27 years since the first PALM, and 2050 — the target year for the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum leaders — will come in 27 years, counting this year. On the basis of kizuna, as well as shared values and principles backed by the nearly 30-year history of the PALM process, we will pass on our strong relationship of trust and friendship to the next 30 years as we adapt to changing circumstances.
Japan will continue to stride forward together with Pacific Island countries and regions toward 2050.
