Fiji, Japan Strengthen Diplomatic Ties
The Fijian Mission in Japan is working proactively to enhance Fiji’s bilateral relations with Japan.
In light of this objective, Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan based in Tokyo, Isikeli Mataitoga, recently met Fukushiro Nukaga MP, chairperson of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League (JFPFL), in the Japanese Parliament.
The purpose of the meeting was to update Mr Nukaga on current bilateral relations between Fiji and Japan, and to further seek his support in enhancing collaboration with the Japanese Government.
Mr Nukaga welcomed Ambassador Mataitoga and emphasised how important the Ambassador’s call was in deepening the relationship between Japan and Fiji. He congratulated Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for his re-election as the Prime Minister of Fiji and for the successful completion of the 2018 General Elections. Ambassador Mataitoga expressed his appreciation to Mr Nukaga as chairperson and the members of Japan/Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League for their continued support and assistance towards Fiji and the work of the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo. Their support in the past few years has contributed directly to deepening relations between Fiji and Japan.
Mr Nukaga thanked Government for its continued support to Japan’s Candidature for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai and the Candidature for the WHO Western Pacific top post.
He further indicated that his office is aware of discussions to host the PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in one of the Pacific Islands and that he would continue to explore ways, and assist the Embassy, to strengthen Fiji’s offer to host this important meeting.
On people-to-people exchanges, Ambassador Mataitoga informed of the increasing importance of rugby and the exchanges that have been undertaken thus far in various Japanese prefectures and cities. He further extended the request to explore Fijian workers training and skills upgrading in Japan in the areas of farming, construction, and tourism.
Both discussed briefly the fact that 2020 would mark the 50th Anniversary of Fiji-Japan Formal Diplomatic Relations, it’s an opportunity to further strengthen the socio-economic collaborations between the two countries.