The Japanese Prime Minister has responded positively to proposals from PNG's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Rimbink Pato.
In a statement, the Minister says Japan has agreed to address illegal fishing in the Pacific Ocean and assist with improved air transport in the region.
Speaking at a working dinner for Pacific Island Forum leaders in association with the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York, Abe acknowledged the issues raised by Pato and said increased cooperation on coastal guard vessel surveillance would address the need to monitor and control maritime waters to combat illegal fishing.
The Japanese leader also directly addressed the airline connectivity issue by stating that improvements would be further discussed by aviation officials from Japan and Papua New Guinea.
At the dinner, Pato also made presentations to Abe on other key issues for PNG and the Pacific, after first commending Japan for being a genuine and trustworthy development partner for the Pacific Island countries.
Pato praised the assistance provided by the Overseas Fishery Cooperation
Foundation, a Japanese non-profit organisation, in such areas as fisheries training, refurbishment of fisheries stations, procurement of equipment and technical advice.
He and the Pacific Island Forum leaders condemned North Korea's recent firing of missiles over Japan as a violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, describing it as a reckless behaviour seriously threatening peace and security in the region.