TOKYO, JAPAN – June 2, 2026 – Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine met with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of the Sasakawa Foundation and Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, on the margins of the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and The Nippon Foundation Group. President Heine expressed appreciation for The Nippon Foundation Group’s continued support for the Marshall Islands and commended Mr. Sasakawa’s leadership in the global effort to eliminate leprosy, as well as the Foundation’s role in promoting sustainable ocean governance and cooperation among island nations through initiatives such as the Island States Ocean Summit.
President Heine also highlighted the Marshall Islands’ commitment to strengthening maritime transportation, connectivity, and workforce development, and welcomed opportunities for greater collaboration with Japanese and regional partners in maritime education, technical cooperation, and capacity building.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to advancing ocean stewardship, resilience, and sustainable development for island communities.
