On March 19, Japan hosted the second ministerial-level defense dialogue with Pacific island countries in Tokyo.
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| Japan and Pacific island countries have launched a defense dialogue framework from 2021. (Source: NUS) |
Kyodo reported that at the two-day meeting, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his counterparts will reaffirm the importance of a free, open and sustainable maritime order based on the rule of law.
Fiji and Papua New Guinea sent their defense ministers to attend, while the Crown Prince of Tonga represented his country.
According to Japan's Ministry of National Defense, 11 other countries, which do not have military forces, will send senior officials who will participate in the meeting in person or online.
Japan and the Pacific Island countries launched the multinational defense dialogue framework in September 9, which then took place online due to the Covid-2021 pandemic.
The meetings take place ahead of the 10th Pacific Islands Leadership Conference, scheduled to take place next July in Tokyo, with the participation of Japan along with 7 countries and territories, including Australia and New Zealand. Japan has hosted the summit every three years since 18.
As part of its efforts to strengthen ties with developing and emerging nations, often referred to collectively as the “Global South,” Japan has helped strengthen defense and coastal protection capabilities of nations. Pacific Island.
