Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Ministers Meeting in Thailand
Diplomat Times (Bangkok) -Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Ministers Meeting in Thailand, At APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Bangkok, Thailand to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting, held a meeting with Hon. Justin W. TKATCHENKO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Minister Hayashi stated that he condemned the fierce attacks by Russia on the cities in Ukraine including Kiev.
In this context, Minister Hayashi stated that he was very concerned about the information he received on the explosion in Poland, and he was paying close attention to the ongoing investigation. Minister Hayashi also stated that the situation in Ukraine concerns the foundation of the international order, and so he would like to closely cooperate with Minister Tkatchenko. Minister Tkatchenko stated that he shared exactly the same perception as Minister Hayashi.
Minister Hayashi stated that Papua New Guinea is a center pillar of stability and prosperity of the Pacific Islands region, and also an important partner to Japan tied with a strong bond through trade of natural resources and so forth. Minister Hayashi also stated that he looked forward to working with Minister Tkatchenko for further development of the amicable bilateral relations and realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s efforts relevant to Papua New Guinea based on the needs of the Pacific Island countries under the Pacific Bond Policy after last year’s PALM9 (The 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting ), and Minister Tkatchenko expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Pacific Island countries, and concurred the importance of maintaining the unity of the Pacific Island countries.
The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abduction issue.
Both ministers shared the view that the international community must oppose in unity against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas and economic coercion.
Both leaders concurred that it is essential to strengthen the functions of the United Nations including the Security Council reform in order to restore the UN’s credibility, and that they would work together on this front.
