Wednesday 16 September 2009

His Excellency, Mr. Toshihiro Takahashi, the Ambassador of Japan is visiting the Cook Islands from 13 to 17 September 2009. The Ambassador is here at the invitation of the Prime Minister, Honourable Jim Marurai who attended the meeting of Pacific Island Countries and Japan Leaders (PALM) in Japan.

During his visit Ambassador Takahashi paid courtesy calls on members of Cabinet including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & Immigration Sir Terepai Maoate. 

The DPM welcomed the visit of Ambassador Takahashi as a useful opportunity to explore ways in which the two Governments could collaborate, both bilaterally and multilaterally for the benefit of both countries.  “The Cook Islands appreciate Japan’s continued support and assistance to Pacific Island Countries, including the Cook Islands.  The Cook Islands would welcome the formalisation of diplomatic relations with Japan as a significant positive step forward in the relationship between our two countries”.

In previous years, Japan has been an important export market for Cook Islands black pearls, fish and noni.  Between 1999 and 2006, the Cook Islands received from Japan some $8million in technical cooperation assistance primarily through short term training courses for Cook Islanders to Japan.

Japan has also been very supportive of disaster preparedness and response initiatives in the Pacific region including through financial support to the Cook Islands Red Cross society.

Ambassador Takashi was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Kaori Takahashi on this visit.