Press Releases

On 13, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA made a courtesy call on Hon. Johnny KOANAPO Rasou, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management of the Republic of Vanuatu, in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA expressed his desire to further strengthen the bilateral relations, centered on disaster reconstruction, economic exchange, and human resource development, in line with Vanuatu’s priorities, while marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vanuatu in 2026. In response, Deputy Prime Minister KOANAPO expressed his gratitude for Japan’s long-standing and reliable cooperation and stated that he was committed to further strengthening the cooperative relationship with Japan, including the private sector. In addition, they exchanged views on regional issues.

On 14, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA held a meeting with Hon. Mac ATI, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of the Republic of Vanuatu, in Luganville on Espiritu Santo Island, the Minister’s hometown. Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA stated that Japan would like to promote cooperation tailored to Vanuatu’s needs, with a view to further strengthening relations between the two countries. In response, Minister ATI expressed appreciation for Japan`s assistance with post-disaster recovery on Efate Island and for the construction of a hydropower station on Espiritu Santo Island, and affirmed his desire to further deepen the bilateral relationship on the occasion of the 45th anniversary.

On 15, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA held a meeting with Hon. Samson SAMSEN, Minister of Trade and Commerce of the Republic of Vanuatu, on Espiritu Santo Island, the Minister’s home island. While highlighting active bilateral interactions through the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA spoke about strengthening bilateral economic relations. In response, Minister SAMSEN expressed his gratitude for the visit by Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA to Espiritu Santo Island and for Japan’s support for Vanuatu’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

On 14, at the Medical Health Center, Sanma Province, Espiritu Santo Island, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA held the handover ceremony for a mobile clinic vehicle, provided through grant aid from the government of Japan, with Minister ATI and Hon. John Still Tari Qetu, Minister of Health, in attendance. At the ceremony, Minister ATI expressed his gratitude to Japan and its people.

On 16, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA attended a ceremony for the donation of 203 judo uniforms to the Vanuatu Judo Federation, donated by the All Japan Judo Federation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s "Sports Diplomacy Promotion Project" in 2025. Mr. Nicolas Monvoisin, President of Judo Federation of Vanuatu, attended the ceremony and expressed his gratitude to Japan for its cooperation.

During his stay, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA exchanged views with Japanese citizens and members of the Overseas Volunteers (JOCVs) working in Vanuatu, and conducted the following site visits.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited the hydropower facility on the Sarakata River on Espiritu Santo Island, which has been supported by Japan's grant aid.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited Vanuatu National Hospital in Port Vila. The government of Japan has supported the construction of new outpatient and examination buildings as well as the maintenance of medical equipment through grant aid.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA visited the sites where earthquake and tide-level observation equipment, completed through Japan’s grant aid and technical cooperation, is being utilized in Port Vila. The aid is contributing to strengthening the information transmission system for disaster prevention.