Foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to enhance bilateral co-operation
Fiji Will Host Next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting In 2020
Fiji and Japan have reaffirmed commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in accordance with the “Free and Open Indo Pacific Strategy”. This was highlighted during a bilateral meeting held yesterday between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Kono, who is on a two-day official visit to Fiji. Minister Kono and his delegation were accorded traditional ceremonies of welcome when they met Minister Seruiratu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.
Through a bilateral meeting held between the two foreign ministers, Fiji and Japan have committed to strengthen partnership in areas of tourism, trade investment, defence and security and people to people links.
A major announcement following yesterday’s bilateral meeting is the confirmation by Japan for Fiji to hold the next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in the year 2020. “Given Prime Minister Bainimarama’s proposal, Japan has decided to hold the next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in mid-2020 in Fiji. We have confirmed our close cooperation for a success of this historic meeting, which will be held for the first time in a Pacific Island country.
“It has been a year since PALM8. Japan has decided to increase re
sources for this region to pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will promote new efforts particularly on maritime issues, connectivity, climate change and disaster management.
“Foreign Minister and I reconfirmed our collaboration to pursue Free and Open Indo Pacific and discussed concrete measures to that end.
“For example in the disaster management, we are preparing to provide assistance for the Nadi Flood Alleviation project.”
In the maritime field, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force’s training squadron will visit Suva this month.
“For the promotion of people to people exchanges, we will invite children from all over the Pacific Island countries to Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year. We have also agreed to dispatch a business mission to Fiji to promote tourism, trade and investment,” Minister Kono said. Minister Seruiratu welcomed the announcements made by Japan and thanked the Government of Japan for its great assistance towards Fiji’s development goals.
“Fiji is grateful to the Government of Japan for the tremendous support towards the development of some of our essential infrastructure; the Nadi River Flood Widening Project, Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge and the Vaturu Dam project,” he said. “Furthermore, Japan has also been instrumental in the rebuilding of schools and donation of items to communities affected by TC Winston. And in assisting Fijians to rebuild their lives and communities.
“This is also an exciting period in Japan’s sporting calendar. First as host to the Rugby World Cup later this year and the Summer Olympic Games to follow in 2020.
“Fiji will be sending its best rugby players and, of course, athletes to these two games, and we look forward to great results for Fiji. “Our Prime Minister is honoured to be hosting the PALM Interim Ministerial meeting mid-August in 2020. This meeting will also be an opportunity for Fiji and Japan to celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic relations.
“As we embark on an exciting journey of our co-operation, I reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to further develop our partnership and we convey our best wishes to the Government and People of Japan,” Minister Seruiratu said.