Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda pledged US$500 million dollars in aid to the Pacific Islands during the next three years, at the conclusion of the Sixth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Okinawa, on Saturday, May 26.

In a joint declaration issued at the end of PALM 6, Prime Minister Noda said Japan had fulfilled it's pledge at PALM 5 and provided US$493 million, over the past three years. He pointed out that Japanese aid was spent on addressing environmental and climate change issues, overcome vulnerabilities, promoted human security and enhanced people to people exchanges, in the Pacific.

Prime Minister Noda pledged that Japan will provide assistance of up to $500 million US dollars to the Pacific during the next three years.

PALM 6 leaders discussed five major issues which included, response to natural disaster, environment and climate change, sustainable development and human security, people to people exchanges and maritime issues.

He shared with leaders experiences that were learned from the disaster, and announced initiatives which included improving the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation system, in cooperation with the United States and other development partners.

He also announced that Japan will hold an international conference on disaster risk reduction in the Tohoku region this summer. A pilot program will also be implemented in November for developing catastrophe-risk insurance in cooperation with the World Bank, said Prime Minister Noda.

Exchange

With regards to the issue of people to people exchange, the Kizuna Project was announced and will invite over 300 young people from the Pacific to Japan this year, to promote understanding of Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Prime Minister Noda also announced his intention to pursue cooperation between Japan's defense authorities and the Pacific Islands in a personnel exchange program, an initiative that was welcomed by Pacific leaders in light of Japan's intention to promote peace and security in the Pacific region.

He also said that in recognition of the enhancing relation between Japan and the Pacific, he was committed to introduce on a bilateral basis, a new type of multiple entry visa to Japan, for short term Pacific travelers as well as visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders. This was greatly welcomed by Pacific leaders who expressed their hope for it's prompt introduction.

With regards, to maritime issues, the leaders recognised the importance of International Law for the maintenance of peace and security in the Pacific region.

PALM 6, May 25-56 was attended by Pacific Leaders from Micronesia, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The United States, Australia and New Zealand also sent representatives to the gathering.