The upcoming PALM 10 meeting of Pacific leaders next month presents a prime opportunity for the Japanese Government to establish stronger ties with Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Professor Jimbo Ken, director of the International House of Japan and head of the Sasakawa Think Tank team, stated that the Tokyo-based meeting should underscore the crucial role South Pacific nations play due to their strategic location.
“The South Pacific location is very strategic so PALM will be an opportunity for our national leaders in Japan to enhance dialogue with Pacific Island leaders,” Professor Ken explained. He emphasized that Japan needs to boost its influence and relevance in the South Pacific, as other nations like the US, China, Australia, and New Zealand have displayed varying levels of engagement.
Professor Ken is encouraged to see increased ministerial visits to Japan from island nation leaders. He believes the PALM 10 meeting, featuring physical attendance of Pacific leaders, is a critical step. “This is very important; sometimes it’s effective and in this case, Japan needs to raise its profile in the South Pacific,” the professor asserted.
Additionally, Sasakawa director Hidoyuki Shiozawa revealed that climate change would be a key topic on the PALM meeting agenda.