Japan and Palau have reaffirmed their close partnership and commitment to regional stability during a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, and Palau’s Minister of State, Gustav Aitaro.
Minister Motegi welcomed Aitaro’s second visit to Japan this year, describing Palau and Japan as “geographically, historically, and strategically important partners” that share a tokubetsu (special) relationship.
“The two countries are also important partners in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law amidst an increasingly complex strategic environment surrounding the region,” Motegi said.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to work with Palau toward realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
The talks covered cooperation in cybersecurity, tourism, and the installation of submarine cables.
Motegi welcomed the launch of regular direct flights between Narita and Palau on October 29, saying he hoped the move would boost Japanese tourism to Palau.
He also thanked Palau for its support in the recovery of the remains of Japanese war dead, including those repatriated from the mass burial site on Angaur Island.
Motegi said Japan looks forward to working closely with Palau as it assumes the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) next year, adding that Tokyo aims to “further strengthen the reliable cooperative relations and the kizuna — bond of trust — with Palau and the Pacific Island countries.”
Minister Aitaro thanked the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Palau and said he was committed to working closely with Motegi “for further development of tokubetsu relations between the two countries.”
Both ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs.
