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15/03/2019Published On: 15/03/2019
The diplomatic engagements between Fiji and Japan are envisaged to deepen through stronger collaborations to advance sustainable development aspirations of both the nations.
This follows a courtesy call by the Japanese Ambassador for the Pacific Island Region, H.E Toshihisa Takata to the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Inia Seruiratu, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.
The meeting was an opportunity for Minister Seruiratu to provide an overview of the Fiji-Japan growing relations and express sincere gratitude to Japan for its tremendous support provided to Fiji.
He said the increased engagements in areas of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Environment, People-to-People exchanges, Sustainable Development, Maritime issues, Fisheries, Trade and Investment reflects the enhanced partnership and friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador Takata reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to broaden partnership with Fiji and other Pacific Island nations. He also thanked Fiji for its strong leadership in championing issues that affect the Pacific as a region and assured Japan’s continued support in Fiji’s endeavors to prioritize issues relative to Sustainable Development Goals.
Fiji and Japan continually engage with other Pacific Island countries through the regional Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) Framework that brings together Pacific leaders to discuss the development cooperation issues involving Japan and the Pacific.
A significant outcome of the PALM-8 meeting was the launching of the Pacific Islands and Japan Local Government Framework, a mechanism for enhanced engagement between Japan and the Pacific Island Countries [PICs].
Ambassador Takata and Minister Seruiratu also exchanged information on strategies to expand opportunities on bilateral relations, socio-economic developments and cooperation in the international arena and global issues.
In light of Japan’s national interests to have stronger relations with neighboring countries and strengthening of its economic diplomacy, Fiji continues to strategize its engagements with Japan mostly on the bilateral basis, focusing on development cooperation agendas to bring relations to fruition.
