FIJI and Japan have reinforced their shared commitment to digital security and regional development through the extension of their digital partnership.
Officials from both sides, headed by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, and Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Seiichiro Murakami, met in the margins of the Asia-Pacific Telecomunity (APT) Ministerial meeting held in Tokyo, Japan last week where both nations acknowledged their 50 years of diplomatic relations.
In a statement, the Ministry of Trade said a key focus of the high-level bilateral meeting was Japan’s continued support for Fiji’s cybersecurity ambitions with officials reflecting on the success of a joint cyber drill conducted in Suva last October, enhancing Fiji’s emergency response capacity.
Mr Kamikamica highlighted recent national achievements in Fiji; the establishment of a Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fiji’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and the implementation of real-time cyber monitoring systems.
“The DPM also acknowledged Japan’s investment in the University of the South Pacific’s ICT infrastructure and the National Data Centre in Suva. Both of which were pivotal in the development of our ICT sector,” the ministry stated.
“Looking ahead, the DPM presented a copy of the recently launched National Digital Strategy and at the Japanese delegations bequest, sought the Government and the People of Japan’s partnership in areas such as ICT infrastructure for the Fiji National University, rural internet expansion via the Universal Service Project, automation for e-government and cooperation on the ITU’s Smart Island Project.”
During the main event, Mr Kamikamica chaired the 4th Ministerial panel discussion on ‘Secure and Trusted Digital Environment’ in which concerns were raised on outdated communication infrastructure in crucial sectors and the growing vulnerabilities posed by adversarial threats targeting artificial intelligence systems.
Japan’s leading role in securing its national data infrastructure was recognised as exemplary.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 3, 2025
