With the impending Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) 10 scheduled in July, Japan is hopeful of reaffirming ties with its Pacific partners.
Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Rokuichiro Michii said this extended to Fiji as both countries had shared ties since Fiji’s independence.
“We have been enjoying really good, friendly relations with Fiji and we are grateful for this, and the friendship extended to us,” he said.
“After WWII, we have decided to build our nation not by involving military affairs, but just contributing to the world through nation building.”
Mr Michii said they had done this in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America and also, with the Pacific, in line with Japanese policies. “Plus, you have this new challenge of climate change and sea level rise, and this is a common challenge.
“Therefore, I would like to make an assurance that we will be with Fiji and this region, no matter what sort of new geopolitical environment emerges.
“We would like to elevate our relationship to new heights. We will continue conventional assistance as far as needs are concerned, but we would also like to look for more, since Fiji is really a key country in this region.”
He said Japan was committed to assisting Fiji in terms of boosting the economy, and promoting greater people to people exchanges between the two nations — especially through education, cultural initiatives, and sports.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of PALM, and Mr Michii said a number of topics relevant to both the Pacific and Japan would be discussed between the leaders.
“Our resources are also limited, we can’t do everything, but we can try to identify areas of priority and do something about it.”
