Japan and Fiji have elevated their bilateral relations with the signing of the Japan-Fiji “Lomavata Kizuna Partnership”, following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Tokyo.
According to a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders met for approximately 30 minutes before signing the agreement, which aims to deepen cooperation across a wide range of areas.
“Lomavata” means “unity” in the Fijian language, symbolising the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Takaichi said Japan and Fiji are “important partners in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” adding that both nations share common values and principles.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) and agreed to further deepen the kizuna—or bonds of friendship—between their countries.
Prime Minister Takaichi noted that cooperation between Japan and Fiji has expanded in recent years. “Our partnership now spans infrastructure, education, health and medical care, disaster prevention, security, justice, and sports exchanges,” she said. “Through the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership, we will continue to strengthen this cooperation.”
She also highlighted Japan’s tailored support to Fiji, including the provision of a disaster response vessel, and expressed Japan’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and resilience.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked the Government and people of Japan for their continued support. “Fiji deeply appreciates Japan’s assistance across key sectors that contribute to our national development and regional stability,” he said. “We are committed to further strengthening our partnership under this new framework.”
Both leaders emphasized the importance of bilateral security cooperation in maintaining regional peace and stability, welcoming the world’s first delivery of equipment to Fiji under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA).
Addressing environmental and regional matters, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her gratitude for Fiji’s trust in Japan’s handling of the ALPS-treated water discharge, assuring continued transparency and scientific integrity. Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated his confidence in Japan’s approach.
Prime Minister Takaichi also reaffirmed Japan’s strong support for Pacific regional unity and the Pacific Islands Forum’s “2050 Strategy”, noting Japan’s contribution of USD 3 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility.
“The ‘Ocean of Peace’ declaration led by Prime Minister Rabuka aligns with our FOIP vision, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and a rules-based order,” she added.
The two leaders concluded the meeting by agreeing to continue close collaboration on regional and global issues, and to work together toward the next Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11), scheduled for 2027.
