Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will attend a three days Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, PALM 5, in Hokkaido, Japan, starting Thursday this week.

Dr Sikua will attend the PALM 5 Summit this week after participating in the Coral Triangle Initiative, CTI, Summit and signing a declaration in Indonesia yesterday approving the CTI.

The theme of this year's PALM 5 summit is: "We are Islanders - Towards a Eco-Friendly and rich Pacific."

Leaders of Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum countries are expected to express their ongoing determination to deepen relations through a range of initiatives.

These relate to environment and climate change but in particular protecting our ocean and islands, overcoming vulnerabilities, promoting human security, and enhancing people-to-people exchange.

The PALM 5 Summit will also discuss fisheries, trade and investment issues and Japan's support to peace and security in the Pacific region.