On Friday last week, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting and hosted dinner with H.E. Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, during his official working visit to Japan. The meeting went on for about half hour in which on the occasion of 25th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Japan and Palau, the Prime Minister Abe welcomed the President Remengesau’s visit to Japan and stated that he would like to further develop the relationship with Palau which has been a special friend of Japan.
President Remengesau expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and showed appreciation for the friendship shared with Japan for 25 years. Prime Minister Abe further stated that Japan will continue to cooperate with Palau for the realization of the“free-and-open Indo Pacific” including maritime security and connectivity through dialogue.
The leaders attended the signing ceremony on grant aid regarding the provision of motorboats and floating markers as assistance towards the fields of maritime security and fishery. Japan’s new assistance towards disaster prevention and reduction was also announced.
During the talks on bilateral relationship between Japan and Palau, Prime Minister Abe expressed his idea of promoting trade, investment and tourism through the economic mission to Palau and a business seminar. President Remengesau spoke about the promotion of economic exchanges among private sectors. The two nations confirmed to continue cooperating on the recovery of the remains of the war dead, the stable operation of the Japanese fishing vessels, and people-to-people exchanges including those of young generations.
The leaders discussed the regional situations such as North Korea. The Prime Minister of Japan requested Palau’s understanding and cooperation on the early resolution of the abduction issue to which President Remengesau showed his support. They further agreed to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Pacific Island Region by strongly developing bilateral relationship hand-in-hand, taking this opportunity of President Remengesau’s visit to Japan. (PR)