Two nations will support setting up climate research centre in Samoa
Climate change, water security and maritime law research are priority projects agreed to in a Pacific cooperation agreement signed by New Zealand and Japan.
NZ foreign minister Winston Peters and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi announced the partnership on 1 November in Tokyo, following discussions on joint development projects in the Pacific region.
Peters described the agreement as reflecting “the strong and ambitious relations” between the two countries.
“Japan is one of New Zealand’s most important partners and closest friends. My discussions with Minister Motegi confirmed that New Zealand and Japan are strategic partners in an increasingly challenging regional and global setting,” he said in a government statement.
“We share mutual goals of defending the rules-based international order, and advancing regional peace and security.”
The joint declaration lists three main priority areas – oceans, climate change and regional infrastructure. These include supporting a new Pacific climate change research centre in Samoa, promoting sustainable commercial fisheries and sharing renewable energy R&D with Pacific Islands nations.
Japan and NZ will cooperate on maritime law research and law enforcement training for Pacific Islands countries in partnership with the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.
The two countries will also hold regular disaster resilience consultations on reducing the risk and impact of natural disasters such as tsunamis and tropical storms.
Peters said water security will also be a priority, with Japan pledging to support NZ initiatives to protect Pacific Islands water supplies that are threatened by climate change and sea level rise.
“The joint declaration provides an enduring framework for greater coordination between New Zealand and Japan in our development cooperation with Pacific Island countries,” he said.
“Our joint efforts will be grounded in the principles of New Zealand’s Pacific Reset and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision and aligned with Pacific Island countries’ priorities.”
The Pacific Reset policy was announced by prime minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018. It aims to increase NZ engagement in regional issues such as climate and education, and to build deeper partnerships with Pacific Islands countries.