Prime Minister Hon. James Marape in his speech at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) in Tokyo, Japan, today asked his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Hon. Fumio Kishida on behalf of Pacific Island nations to consider assisting the Small Island States affected by climate change
At the Meeting attended by eighteen (18) Pacific Islands Forum member countries, and Japan (host), Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Japan as the third biggest economy in the world and thanked Prime Minister Kishida and past leaders for their partnership with Papua New Guinea in delivering many development projects, and for their continuous support towards small Pacific Island states in various ways.
PM Marape said since the inception of PALM in 1997, Japan has been a ‘good friend’ to the Pacific Islands, helping in both good and bad times.
“I thank the Japanese governments of past, and the people of Japan for your love and care for Pacific Island nations. Specifically, from Papua New Guinea perspective, Japan is a trustworthy partner. Papua New Guinea continues to enjoy a strong relationship with Japan through trade and the bilateral assistance that Japan has been rendering to us, and likewise the entire Pacific.
“Today my heart was warmed in hearing you Prime Minister Kishida saying that new heights will be reached in these conversations. I’m happy that my colleague leaders from the Pacific have asked me to speak on their behalf in the areas of people-centred development – resources and economic development, as these are issues that are close to my heart,” said Prime Minister Marape
PM Marape made a proposal to the Japanese Prime Minister to assist Pacific Island nations through technological processes in the desalination of water to enable clean drinking water for people and for use in sustenance of life, including agricultural activities.
He also proposed for Japanese assistance in terms of utilising cleaner energy options for use in residential homes and communities, as well as for business operational activities.
Prime Minister Marape said with Special Economic Zones being established in Papua New Guinea to enable downstream processing of marine resources within the Pacific Island nations thus encouraging economic independence among the countries, Japan’s intervention in terms of the use of ICT can enhance trade in the Pacific.
PM Marape also highlighted the need for Japanese assistance towards Pacific Island States affected by climate change in rising sea levels in terms of Land Reclamation using technology, so that affected people can stay where they are and live in their own space and habitat, instead of relocating or resettling them.
“I speak on behalf of Pacific Island nations. They are victims of climate change. Their carbon footprint is minimal. They are the least emitters of carbon, yet they are the biggest victims of carbon emissions. I have raised these issues in many meetings, and these issues need to be addressed well,” stated Prime Minister
The official PALM10 summit ended mid-afternoon today, with several other smaller meetings and tours to Japan’s sites of interest for the delegates.
Prime Minister Marape and his delegation will be arriving back in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, tomorrow (Friday, 19 July, 2024) at around 9am through APEC Terminal at the Jackson’s International Airport.