TOKYO – President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and First Lady Valerie Whipps arrived in Japan today to attend the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) with a delegation including Del. Noah Kemesong, Sen. Kerai Mariur, Gov. Eyos Rudimch, Gov. Sharp Sakuma, and Gov. Norman Ngiratecheboet, as well as ministers of state, MAFE and MHRCTD.
President Whipps and other Pacific Islands Forum leaders will meet with the Japanese government in Tokyo from July 16 to 18. The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Forum chair, will co-chair the meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The PALM process provides a valuable platform for the Pacific and Japan to discuss mutual concerns and priorities in a spirit of genuine partnership and friendship. Japan has been a steadfast partner to Palau and other countries in the Pacific.
Some issues to be discussed at PALM10 include strengthening collective efforts to address challenges such as climate change, disasters, ocean and environmental issues, resource and economic development, technology and connectivity, and people-centered development.
The Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, as well as New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, and ministers and representatives from Australia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands are expected to attend.