Japan-Fiji Relations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs BAINIMARAMA of the Republic of Fiji by Foreign Minister HAYASHI
On May 7, commencing at 11:55 a.m. local time (On May 7, at 8:55 a.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting the Republic of Fiji, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Rear Admiral (Retired) Josaia Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Fiji, followed by a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Bainimarama. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, following Prime Minister Bainimarama's words of welcome, Minister Hayashi stated that he was pleased to visit Fiji, which is a key to stability and prosperity in the Pacific Islands region. Minister Hayashi also strongly condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, pointing out the importance of solidarity among countries that share fundamental values in the midst of a situation in which very foundation of the international order faces jeopardy by this aggression. They confirmed the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Fiji and strengthening coordination between the two countries to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
- Minister Hayashi mentioned Japan’s financial support for Fiji's economic recovery and the provision of equipment for disaster prevention and mitigation in relation to climate change measures and explained the progress of Japan's assistance to Fiji in the five priority areas announced at the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting last year. Minister Hayashi then stated that Japan would continue to provide strong support to Fiji based on the Pacific Bond (KIZUNA) Policy. In response, Prime Minister Bainimarama expressed his appreciation for Japan's support so far and the two sides concurred to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for Fiji's cooperation rendered to the Japan Disaster Relief Team and Japan Self-Defense Forces upon assistance to Tonga, in response to the damages caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami and noted that this cooperation became a good example of defense cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, the two sides concurred to promote cooperation in the field of security and defense, including exchanges between defense authorities.
- The two sides discussed the situation in the Pacific Island countries, including cooperation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the security cooperation agreement between China and Solomon Islands. They confirmed that Japan and Fiji will continue to work closely together, as well as with related countries such as the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, for the sake of peace and stability in the region.
- The two sides confirmed that they will continue to coordinate in responding to North Korea including on nuclear and missile such as North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on May 4. Minister Hayashi also thanked Fiji for its support for Japan's position in the international arena, and both sides concurred to continue to promote cooperation in this area.
(Reference) Five Priority Areas of the 9th Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting (PALM 9)
(1) COVID-19 Response and Recovery, (2) Sustainable Oceans based on the Rule of Law, (3) Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, (4) Strengthening Foundation for Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development, and (5) People-to-People Exchanges and Human Resource Development