Press Releases
Signing and Exchange of Notes Concerning Grant Aid to the Independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Fiji: “the Project for the Prevention Measures against Drug Use among Children and Youth”
On March 3 (same day local time), in Suva, the capital of the Republic of Fiji, H.E. Mr. TAJIMA Hiroshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, and Mr. Hamish YOUNG, UNICEF Representative for the Pacific Island Countries, signed and exchanged notes for “the Project for the Prevention Measures against Drug Use among Children and Youth” (project up to 998 million yen).
- Drug use among children and youth has become a serious issue in Samoa and Fiji. This project aims to comprehensively implement initiatives for the prevention, countermeasures, and social reintegration related to children and youth drug use by involving families, schools, communities, and other stakeholders. Through these efforts, it seeks to strengthen the suppression of drug use among young people and promote and secure their health and safety.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan" issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in July, 2024, Japan has announced “People-centered Development” as the priority areas of Japan’s cooperation, and this cooperation embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Independent State of Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa covers 2,830 square kilometers and has a population of 218,020 people (2024, World Bank). It has a per capita gross national income (GNI) of US$4,650 (2024, World Bank).
(Reference2) Basic Data on the Republic of Fiji
The Republic of Fiji covers 18,270 square kilometers and has a population of 928,784 people (2024, World Bank). It has a per capita gross national income (GNI) of US$5,680 (2024, World Bank).
(Reference3) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10)
On July 16 to 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) was co-chaired by Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA and Prime Minister Mark BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organization including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Prime Minister Fiame represented the Independent State of Samoa and Prime Minister Rabuka represented the Republic of Fiji.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.