MARSHALL Islands President Hilda C. Heine met Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, maritime cooperation and other priorities for strengthening ties across the Pacific.
The meeting at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre in Palau focused on the longstanding partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Japan and on opportunities to expand practical cooperation, including sustainable fisheries, the blue economy, digital connectivity and human resource development.
President Heine expressed appreciation for Japan’s “enduring friendship and longstanding support” for the Marshall Islands, particularly in national resilience, connectivity, infrastructure and sustainable development. She said that support benefits communities across the country and the outer islands.
Heine also welcomed opportunities to expand Japanese private-sector investment and business engagement in the Marshall Islands.
The two officials exchanged views on regional and international priorities. Heine reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ appreciation for Japan’s commitment to “a peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific” and its longstanding engagement with the Pacific through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, or PALM, process.
Heine is expected to continue the dialogue during a planned official visit to Japan later this year.
“The Marshall Islands remains committed to further strengthening its enduring kizuna with Japan,” the statement said, referring to the partnership as one intended to deliver “meaningful and lasting benefits” for the peoples of both countries and the wider Pacific region.
