Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa met with a delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) led by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown on Monday and stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with the Pacific Island countries while respecting their own agenda.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Hayashi welcomed the PIF delegation, which included Henry Puna, the group’s Secretary General.

Hayashi noted that PIF has been playing an important role in promoting cooperation with the whole Pacific Island region through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM). He also expressed strong support for “The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” announced by PIF last year.

The two sides discussed environmental issues, including that of possible rises in sea levels. Hayashi said Japan would strengthen its support to Pacific Island countries to help offset the consequences of climate change.

Japan has decided to take the position that it is permissible to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), notwithstanding the regression of coastlines. The PIF side welcomed Japan’s decision.

Regarding Fukushima and fallout from the 2011 nuclear disaster, Hayashi emphasized the importance of revitalizing Fukushima Prefecture and explained that discharge of ALPS-treated water into the sea would be conducted in a way to ensure there would be no harm to the environment or human health.

He gave assurances that the discharge would be conducted in accordance with domestic and international safety standards, and Japan will conduct monitoring prior to and after the discharge under reviews by the IAEA.