Press Releases
Foreign Minister Kono Pays a Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister of Fiji
On August 5, commencing at 11:05 a.m. (local time; 8:05 a.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Rear Admiral (Retired) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, in its capital city of Suva. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Minister Kono stated that his visit to Fiji marks the first visit to Fiji in 32 years by a Japanese Foreign Minister. Minister Kono stated it was an honour that he was able to visit Fiji as the first part of his tour of the Pacific Island countries ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of Japan-Fiji diplomatic relations and deliver a speech on Japan’s policy on Pacific Island countries including Japan’s strong commitment towards Pacific Island countries.
2. In response, Prime Minister Bainimarama welcomed Minister Kono’s visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s assistance. Prime Minister Bainimarama reiterated that Fiji strongly supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
3. The two sides shared the view on continuing to collaborate closely in wide-ranging areas, including people-to-people exchanges, disaster risk reduction, enhancement of connectivity, maritime security, and climate change.
4. In addition, the two sides exchanged some opinions on regional affairs, including North Korean affairs.
