Media Release

FA51- 17 May 2003

Co-operation to Combat Terrorism in the Pacific

I have attended the Japan-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PALM) in Okinawa, which has agreed to work towards greater co-operation to combat terrorism in the region.

Held against a backdrop of regional and global instability, the summit examined ways to build greater security in the Pacific Islands, combat terrorism and prevent the financing of terrorism.

While some parts of the Pacific are dealing with serious law and order problems, the region has remained largely free from global terrorism. But we cannot afford to be complacent. Improved co-operation between Pacific nations will be necessary to guard against terrorism and prevent terrorist organizations from channeling their finances through Pacific Island countries.

Australia has a crucial role to play in assisting Pacific Island nations to maintain security and enforce law and order. It is only in a safe and secure environment that the goals of economic development and prosperity can be achieved.

The Summit set out five priority policy targets that will be addressed under a joint action plan between Japan and the Pacific Island Forum nations, including Australia. They are: Greater Security in the Pacific Region, A Safer and more Sustainable Environment, Improved Education and Human Resources Development, Better Health, and More Robust and Sustained trade and Economic Growth.

To support this Okinawa Initiative, the region’s lead donor nations, Australia, Japan and New Zealand, have agreed to an ongoing process of increased co-operation in the delivery of their aid programs.

In Okinawa I also held bilateral talks on social, economic and security issues with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, and the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Sir Alan Kemakeza. Australia has pledged to continue to work with the Solomon Islands Government to overcome its ongoing problems of lawlessness and resultant economic decline.

Apart from the PALM Summit my visit to Japan has enabled me to engage in successful bilateral meetings with senior Japanese Ministers including the Prime Minister, Mr Koizumi, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms Kawaguchi, and the Defence Minister, Mr Ishiba. We discussed economic and regional security issues, particularly North Korea.

Japan has agreed to hold officials-level talks with Australia to examine ways of preventing illegal drug and weapons exports from North Korea. This is a difficult but crucial issue to tackle and will require consultation and cooperation with other countries including the United States, China, South Korea and Russia. I also sympathized with Japan over the North Korean hostage issue and agreed to continue to support efforts for a successful resolution.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Phillip Allars (Departmental) 02 6261 1555