Sasakawa Peace Foundation has been praised for its commitment towards Fiji and Pacific Island nations that has led to robust developments over the past many years.
Speaking at the foundation headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said advocacy carried out by the Sasakawa team led to the formation and first Pacific Leaders Summit meeting, one of which was attended by the late president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
“I acknowledge the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and its advocacy that led to the Pacific Leaders Summit and you have not left it at that,” Mr Rabuka said.
“You continued to support the cry for peace and drive for good leadership in the Pacific and continued to actively advocate and work on our bilateral relationship.
“The first PALM Summit started in 1997 and as Prime Minister of Fiji, I attended and led the Fiji delegation and was sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. They were instrumental in assisting Fiji and the Pacific in our development efforts thus creating stronger bonds between these countries that are dotted all over the Pacific.
“We recognise the role of the foundation in facilitating development cooperation in particular, I commend your work on oceans related projects as well as research related to Blue Economy and scholarships for World Maritime University.”
Mr Rabuka said the ongoing collaboration spearheaded by the Sasakawa Foundation with Fiji’s Ministry of Justice has certainly built and strengthened bilateral relationship between the two countries.
