Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will participate in the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo, Japan, next week.
Japan hosts these PALM meetings every three years, offering a platform for Pacific leaders and Japanese representatives to discuss regional issues and strengthen ties. The first meeting was held in 1997, and PALM9 took place online in July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Rabuka was among the Pacific leaders who attended the inaugural meeting in 1997.
“For us, it’s just a continuation of the first PALM,” he stated. “It’s our regional cooperation, and we’ll be focusing on the topic of tropical interest, including the strategic use of the region.”
At the PALM meetings, Japan and Pacific leaders engage in critical discussions about climate change, development aid, and regional security. It also serves as a forum for Pacific leaders to present the issues their countries face and explore regional assistance.
“I felt duty-bound to attend since I was one of the founding leaders and because of the importance of regionalisation and cooperation,” Mr. Rabuka said. “Our role globally makes it essential for us to be there.”
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji Rokuichiro Michii expressed gratitude for Mr. Rabuka’s participation, noting it showcases his commitment to regionalism.
“We are grateful for his ability to travel here because Fiji’s bilateral relations are vital,” he said. “Fiji plays a central role in this region and is a source of stability, making his presence very important.”
The PALM10 meeting will be held from next Tuesday to Thursday.