TOKYO, JAPAN – March 14, 2026 – Following Her Excellency’s travel from Majuro on March 12, 2026 and arrival in Japan on March 13, 2026, H.E. President Hilda C. Heine commenced her official program by attending the opening of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM).
The Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) is a high-level, invitation-only forum that brings together government leaders, industry representatives, and development partners to strengthen cooperation on energy security across the Indo-Pacific region. The forum focuses on building resilient energy supply chains, encouraging strategic investment, and fostering partnerships that support reliable and sustainable energy systems. Held over two days, the forum provides a platform for participants to exchange perspectives and identify opportunities to expand energy collaboration, advance infrastructure development, and enhance strategic cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners. Discussions also emphasize the importance of trusted partnerships and coordinated efforts to support long-term regional energy security and resilience.
President Heine’s participation underscores the commitment of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to engaging with regional and international partners to address shared challenges and opportunities related to energy access, infrastructure development, and climate resilience—issues of particular importance to Small Island Developing States.
Following the forum’s opening, President Heine held a pull aside meet-and-greet with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Ryosei Akazawa, reaffirming the warm and longstanding ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Japan. Her Excellency also attended a private luncheon hosted by U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum and Minister Akazawa with other distinguished leaders, where they reaffirmed shared priorities in energy cooperation, trade, and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific.
