Boosting defence, security
Japan reaffirms commitment to provide greater support to Fiji in defence and security.
There is great potential for Fiji and Japan to collaborate in areas of defence and security, as emphasised at a recent meeting held between Fiji and Japan.
These talks were held between the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Yogesh Karan, and the Japanese State Minister of Defence, Tomohiro Yamamoto.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to map a way forward in expanding the current co-operation that the two nations have in the areas of defence and security. Mr Karan acknowledged the invitation extended to Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Security to attend the two-day Japan-Pacific Island Countries Defence Ministerial Forum in Tokyo, from April 4, this year.
He also conveyed Fiji’s appreciation for the support and assistance provided by the Japan Coast Guard to Fiji in the areas of maritime security, as well as co-operation in areas of training and capacity building. The need for continuous capacity building and further development of onshore based surveillance technologies were also discussed.
Fiji’s exemplary leadership and commitment of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to call for global action and urgency on climate was also recognised and commended by Japan. Mr Yamamoto said Japan was committed to providing greater support to Fiji in its priority areas – one of which was the enhancement of defence and security.
Discussions also centred on the Blackrock project in Fiji, which is currently developed with the assistance of the Australian government. Mr Yamamoto said the efforts to build this dedicated, unique facility was a step in the right direction by Fiji to build regional and international collaboration in promoting global peace and prosperity through stronger engagements between countries on defence, security and beyond.
While reiterating Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, Mr Yamamoto said Japan looked forward to Fiji’s continued support for its principles. Mr Karan met Mr Yamamoto, along the margins of the Senior Officials’ Meeting for the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (SOM9) in Tokyo, Japan.