Minister For International Development And The Pacific

Senator The Hon Concetta Fierravanti–Wells

Visit to Japan to attend the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting

16 May 2018

I will visit Japan from 16-19 May 2018 to represent Australia at the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM8).

Prime Minister Abe of Japan and Prime Minister Tuilaepa of Samoa, as the Pacific Islands Forum Chair, will co-host PALM8 in Iwaki, Fukushima.

PALM8 provides a valuable platform to strengthen relations and dialogue on shared interests between Pacific Islands Forum members and a key partner for our region in Japan.

Strong partnerships are central to the security, stability and prosperity of our region.

Discussions at PALM8 will focus on issues such as sustainable and resilient development, maritime security, international cooperation and people-to-people links.

While in Tokyo, I will also hold bilateral meetings with key Japanese Government representatives, including Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, to discuss Australia-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.