JIIA Public Symposium: Strengthening Japan-Pacific Islands Countries Partnership
Executive summary(1)

Overview: Japan’s Necessary Initiatives in the Medium to Long Termz(2)

Given factors such as the changing generation of people of Japanese descent instates in Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau),
the expanded influence of neighboring countries and Japan’s reduced ODA budget,
friendly relations between Japan and Pacific Island Countries can no longer be taken
for granted. Hence, it is essential that Japan adopt a medium to long term outlook inmaking efforts to maintain and strengthen relations with Pacific Island Countries.
Intensifying Official Visits to Pacific Island Countries

zTo maintain and strengthen relations with Pacific Island Countries, Japan needs toincrease the number of political-level visits to these countries. It is essential toensure that there is attendance by political-level officials in the PIF Post-Dialogue
Forum.

zIn particular, Japan must strengthen relations with the geographically proximate
Micronesia region. In such regard, attendance of political-level officials, withobserver status, at the yearly Micronesia Presidents’ Summit and other international
conferences of the region is desirable.

(3)

Support, with Respect for the “Pacific Way”z

With a foundation in the concept of equal partnership, and in respecting the “PacificWay” which conforms to the tradition and culture of island countries, support of eachcountry’s self-help efforts and social economy reform is essential.

z

For example, in the case of Fiji, considering it is in the early stages ofdemocratization, continuing the pressure to engage in interactive dialogue would bea valid contribution.

zConsidering the actual state of affairs in the locations in question, rather than strictly“good governance” as seen from the perspective of an advanced country, perhaps
we should be considering support from the idea of “good enough governance.”(4)

Strengthening People-to-People Exchangesz(5)Based on the changing generation of people of Japanese descent in the Island
Countries, and particularly the three countries of Micronesia, there is a necessity forpromoting Japan as part of the medium to long term outlook for island countries. For
example, under the current government-financed exchange student program,securing scholarship support is difficult for students of Pacific Island Countries.
Japan must therefore implement initiatives targeting Pacific Island Countries
specifically, such as an exchange student fund.
ODA to Pacific Island Countries

zConsidering that ODA directed towards Pacific Island Countries is an extremely
effective tool for maintaining and strengthening friendly relations with the region,
Japan must avoid the reduction of ODA to the Pacific Island Countries to the best ofits ability.

z

In Pacific Island Countries, where infrastructure is not maintained, Japan’s provisionof sustainable aid, such as infrastructural improvements of highways, airports andharbors, remains indispensable in the medium to long term.

(6)Climate Changez

The Pacific Island Countries are in a vulnerable position when it comes to the issueof climate change. It is therefore important to keep in mind ongoing correspondence
over the issue of climate change.

z

Cooperation between Japan and Pacific Island Countries is also essential for thesuccess of the COP16 (The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to theUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).