Japan-Federated States of Micronesia Working Dinner
2025/3/21
On March 18, 2025, commencing at 6:20 pm for approximately 85 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, had a Working Dinner with H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), who is paying an official working visit to Japan. The overview of the working dinner is as follows:
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan and the FSM are important partners that share fundamental values and principles. Prime Minister Ishiba also explained that given the increasingly complex strategic environment in the region, Japan will support efforts to strengthen regional unity and connectivity, including through the provision of the landing station of the undersea cable to the country, for which notes were exchanged today, and will continue to stride forward together with the Pacific Island countries. In response, President Simina expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he received during his visit to Japan. Both leaders confirmed that they would work together to further develop bilateral relations and realize the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
2. Regarding bilateral relations, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan would steadily implement the bilateral initiatives as well as the commitments Japan made at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in cooperation with President Simina. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that, through contributions to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and support for the development of a water supply system in the FSM to strengthen disaster resilience, the Government of Japan would work together to address common challenges such as climate change which Pacific Island countries regard as “the single greatest existential threat” and the marine environment. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his expectation that the expansion plan for the Pohnpei Port and the provision of a fishery research vessel, which had been decided at PALM 10, would contribute to the improvement of maritime logistics and the promotion of sustainable fisheries. In response, President Simina expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their cooperation with the FSM
3. Both leaders confirmed that they would deepen people-to-people exchanges, including those among future generations. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude for the FSM's cooperation in the recovery of the remains of war dead and requested the FSM’s continued support. He also welcomed the FSM’s participation in Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
4. With regard to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his sincere appreciation for the steadfast trust by President Simina in Japan’s measure and stated that Japan will continue to address the issue in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence and ensure safety. President Simina stated that, through his visit to the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, he was able to deepen his understanding of the safety of the discharge by inspecting the site firsthand. He also welcomed Japan's transparent efforts based on scientific evidence, conducted in cooperation with IAEA.
5. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional issues and confirmed cooperation in international arena.
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Original Article: https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/fm/pageite_000001_00861.html
Reference: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/103/actions/202503/18micronesia.html
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan and the FSM are important partners that share fundamental values and principles. Prime Minister Ishiba also explained that given the increasingly complex strategic environment in the region, Japan will support efforts to strengthen regional unity and connectivity, including through the provision of the landing station of the undersea cable to the country, for which notes were exchanged today, and will continue to stride forward together with the Pacific Island countries. In response, President Simina expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he received during his visit to Japan. Both leaders confirmed that they would work together to further develop bilateral relations and realize the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
2. Regarding bilateral relations, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan would steadily implement the bilateral initiatives as well as the commitments Japan made at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in cooperation with President Simina. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that, through contributions to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and support for the development of a water supply system in the FSM to strengthen disaster resilience, the Government of Japan would work together to address common challenges such as climate change which Pacific Island countries regard as “the single greatest existential threat” and the marine environment. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his expectation that the expansion plan for the Pohnpei Port and the provision of a fishery research vessel, which had been decided at PALM 10, would contribute to the improvement of maritime logistics and the promotion of sustainable fisheries. In response, President Simina expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their cooperation with the FSM
3. Both leaders confirmed that they would deepen people-to-people exchanges, including those among future generations. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude for the FSM's cooperation in the recovery of the remains of war dead and requested the FSM’s continued support. He also welcomed the FSM’s participation in Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
4. With regard to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his sincere appreciation for the steadfast trust by President Simina in Japan’s measure and stated that Japan will continue to address the issue in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence and ensure safety. President Simina stated that, through his visit to the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, he was able to deepen his understanding of the safety of the discharge by inspecting the site firsthand. He also welcomed Japan's transparent efforts based on scientific evidence, conducted in cooperation with IAEA.
5. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional issues and confirmed cooperation in international arena.
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Original Article: https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/fm/pageite_000001_00861.html
Reference: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/103/actions/202503/18micronesia.html
President Simina and Prime Minister Ishiba
After the Signing and Exchange of Notes