SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2019 (PACNEWS) – In a major foreign policy statement on Japan’s renewed relations with Fiji and the Pacific, visiting Foreign Affairs Minister, Taro Kono revealed in Suva that the Pacific region plays a key role in the pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific vision.
And Minister Kono is determined that Japan will do its part to ensure stability and safety of the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan, he said will work closely with partners such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand to assist Pacific countries in maritime security, connectivity, climate change and disaster management.
“More specifically, Japan will promote stability and safety, support resilient and sustainable development and increase people to people exchanges, said Minister Kono, while addressing students and invited guests at the University of the South Pacific in Suva Monday this week.
He acknowledged the significant international role the Pacific is playing in addressing climate change and maritime issues.
“Fiji hosting the ADB General Meeting this May, Fiji chairing COP23 in 2017, and Papua New Guinea hosting APEC last year are all prime examples of the increasing international role of this region. Next year, Palau will host the Our Ocean Conference, which Japan will willingly provide its support.”
“Building on the past 32 years of cooperation and our historical ties that go back over 100 years, I would like to call on all friends of the Pacific Island region to work together for a better future—a future that is Active, Opportunity-filled, and Innovative.”
“The first letters of these three keywords spell out the word A-O-I “AOI,” which means blue in Japanese. And just like the English word “blue,” in Japanese the word AOI brings to mind images of the sky and the ocean. I hope we can join together in mapping out a blueprint for such an Active, Opportunity-filled, and Innovative future for the Indo-Pacific region.”
“We will continue to provide co-operation for resilient and sustainable development in the Pacific region. We will try to boost connectivity in the region through quality infrastructure such as Palau International Airport and Honiara International airport in Solomon Islands.
He said Japan and Pacific Island Countries share a vulnerability to natural disasters.
“For us, disaster management is critical. Japan has decided to provide additional assistance to the three Micronesian countries and Vanuatu. We will work with these countries to develop communication systems for disaster management, to build disaster management centres, and to procure equipment for the efficient delivery of health services to those affected by disasters.
“In addition, the construction of the Pacific Climate Change Centre in Samoa will soon be completed with a grant from Japan. The Centre will serve as a hub for human resource development to tackle the challenges posed by climate change throughout the Pacific Island region, revealed the visiting Japanese Foreign Minister – who is on a tour of the Pacific after the last high level visit from Tokyo in more than three decades.
On people to people exchanges, Minister Kono announced that Japan will invite a total of 100 children from the Pacific to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.
Minister Kono said the development of relations between Japan and the Pacific is demonstrated by the increase in the number of Japanese embassies in the region.
“While there were only two embassies back in 1987, we now have a total of eight. And next year, we look forward to opening our ninth embassy in Vanuatu, announced Minister Kono.
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Japan-Fiji diplomatic relations. To mark the event, the Japanese minister revealed that Fiji will host the 4th PALM Ministerial interim meeting mid nest year.
“Prime Minister Abe promised at PALM8 in May last year that we will hold the 4th PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in the Pacific Island region. So I am pleased to announce today that the fourth Meeting will indeed take place here in Fiji in mid-2020. This will be the first time for a PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting to be held in a Pacific Island nation, said Minister Kono.
Fiji and Japan have been enjoying friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. Japan’s commitment is seen through the Official Development Assistance specifically through projects that have benefited Fijians.
The Japanese Government through the grassroot and community development sector has invested over $50 million in grant aid bilateral assistance to Fiji for the coordination of well over 400 community projects since 1990. Japan has also reached out to Fiji through Disaster Recovery Sector and has assisted Fiji in the re-building and rehabilitation of schools damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.
With the hosting of international sporting events namely, the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics Games in Japan, the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo is working collaboratively with relevant agencies to advance Fiji’s interests through sports diplomacy.
