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Cook Islands Statement at the Whales in a Changing Ocean Conference, Vava'u, Tonga

The Leaders of Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries met for the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) (hereinafter referred to as "PALM 5") from 22 to 23 May 2009 in Hokkaido, Japan. The Leaders and representatives of Japan, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu were in attendance. The Meeting was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Taro Aso, and the Chair of the PIF and Premier of Niue, the Hon Toke Tufukia Talagi. The PIF Leaders expressed their appreciation to the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Japan for its excellent arrangements in hosting PALM 5, and for the courtesies extended to them during their stay. The PIF Leaders also expressed their gratitude to the Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture and the people of Hokkaido for their warm hospitality and generosity as hosts of PALM 5.

Recalling the Statement on Environment in the Pacific issued at PALM 2, the Leaders of Japan and the PIF expressed their renewed commitment to pursue the shared vision of an eco-friendly Pacific. The Leaders of Japan and the PIF then highlighted the vital importance of working together to address and respond to environmental issues including climate change, to support the sustainable development of Pacific island countries and are committed to enhance and deepen cooperation in equal partnership in the form of the Pacific Environment Community (PEC). The Leaders of Japan and the PIF shared the view that climate change is a multi-faceted, cross-cutting issue that affects economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being and security of the whole world, in particular Pacific island countries, as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and the understanding that resolute, concerted international efforts to address climate change are required.