3-day Japan-Pacific Islands leaders meeting opens in Tokyo

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) began on Tuesday in the Japanese capital Tokyo to discuss climate change and maritime security among other issues.

The three-day summit, which runs from July 16 to 18, brings together representatives, most at the highest level, from Japan and Pacific Island nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia, according to Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, and New Caledonia President Louis Mapou will be absent due to domestic issues, although both are part of the 18-country Pacific Islands Forum. The French overseas territory has experienced significant political turmoil in recent months.

Key agenda items include climate change and disaster resilience, maritime security, the Fukushima nuclear plant water discharge, and economic development, according to a release by forum's secretariat.

Japan is expected to offer real-time satellite meteorological data and seek understanding on its plans to release treated water from crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant. The meeting also focuses on regional integration aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio held meetings with the leaders from Tuvalu Vanuatu and Niue on Tuesday on the sideline of the meeting.

PALM, held every three years since 1997, comes amid rising geopolitical competition in the Pacific, with China expanding its influence.