July 29th, 2022
Ministry of Defense
On July 29, 2022, commencing at 11：30 for approximately 40 minutes, Minister Kishi held a video teleconference with Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, Prime Minister and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Tonga.
- At the outset of the meeting, Minister Kishi extended his heartfelt sympathy once again to the government and the people of Tonga on the damages caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga in January 2022. Minister Kishi mentioned the international emergency relief activities in Tonga conducted by the Self-Defense Forces and expressed the intention to continue contributing to the peace and stability of the Pacific region. Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku expressed his message of codependences for the passing of former Prime Minister Abe and also expressed his gratitude for the support from Japan, including the international emergency relief activities by the Self-Defense Forces.
- The Ministers exchanged views on issues such as bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. Minister Kishi stated that in last year’s Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), they were able to have frank exchange of opinion on the common challenges in the region, and re-expressed his gratitude for Tonga’s support. Furthermore, Minister Kishi expressed his gratitude for Tonga’s support to grant the observer status to Japan in the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM).
- Furthermore, the Ministers exchanged views on the regional issues and also confirmed to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges, and to cooperate closely.
