Japan is considering engaging military cadets from Fiji and Pacific Island countries (PICs) for further training in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Director of Indo-Pacific Regional Policy Division with Japan’s Ministry of Defense Ashizuka Osamu said this issue has been discussed with the Ministers for Defense of Japan and Fiji.
“We have asked Fiji earlier this month if they are interested in sending military cadets to join our National Defense Academy and there has been interest,” he said.
“The two Ministers for Defense of both countries have met and discussed this issue and is ongoing so we are looking to kick-start this program in 2025 at the earliest possible if cleared all conditions.
“This is important because the future leadership matters and it becomes an asset for your countries and such cadets in the future will play a role of bridging that relationship with Japan.”
Mr Osamu said other Pacific Island countries were just as important to Japan and various assistance have been rendered to help with security issues.
