
TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday indicated his country’s hope to enhance cooperation with Pacific island economies.
Japan “hopes to join hands with Pacific island nations as longtime friends to overcome difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” Motegi said at a virtual conference with senior officials from 18 Pacific island economies.
At the conference, Motegi explained Japan’s efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Ahead of the meeting, Motegi held phone talks with his Australian counterpart, Marise Payne. Australia is one of the 18 Pacific island economies.
Japan hosts leaders from the Pacific island economies for a summit every three years. The next meeting is scheduled for next year in Shima, Mie Prefecture, central Japan.
JIJI Press