New Zealand and Japan Strengthen Collaboration in the Pacific Region

“New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open, and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr. Peters stated.

New Zealand and Japan will continue to intensify their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.

“New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open, and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr. Peters stated. “We are pleased to be finding more ways to work together in the region.”

Mr. Peters attended the Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) this week, hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He also held various meetings with leaders from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu.

“Japan is a long-standing partner for the Pacific region, and this meeting has again showcased its high-quality assistance and support to the region,” Mr. Peters said.

The PALM meeting concluded with a Declaration highlighting future Pacific-Japan cooperation and a Joint Action Plan detailing how Japan will fulfill its commitments to the region.

While in Japan, Mr. Peters held discussions with Prime Minister Kishida, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara.

“Our discussions underscored the similar perspectives New Zealand and Japan share regarding the world and our region, and the importance of our collaborative efforts to ensure a stable and prosperous region,” Mr. Peters noted.

Mr. Peters also attended an event promoting aquaculture cooperation between New Zealand and Japan and delivered a foreign policy speech titled ‘Pacific Futures.’

Mr. Peters is set to return to New Zealand tomorrow, 20 July.