FIJI and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation, with maritime security, energy resilience and public health among the key areas discussed during a high-level meeting in Suva.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka received Takayuki Kobayashi, Chairperson of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, during a courtesy visit to Parliament last week.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation under the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership. Key areas included maritime surveillance, security, energy and other emerging issues of mutual interest.
Ditoka highlighted growing maritime security challenges facing Fiji and the wider Pacific. These include monitoring vast exclusive economic zones against transnational trafficking and other illicit activities.
He welcomed Japan’s continued interest in supporting stronger maritime surveillance and security cooperation.
Energy security was also discussed amid continued global fuel price volatility. Ditoka highlighted Fiji’s need for more resilient and diversified energy systems.
Japan indicated its willingness to support Fiji’s efforts in this area.
Kobayashi also expressed Japan’s readiness to assist Fiji in tackling illicit drugs and the HIV epidemic, building on existing support.
He described Fiji as an important regional hub and said Japan looked forward to the sixth PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in December.
The meeting will be a key step ahead of the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Yokohama next year.
Ditoka acknowledged Kobayashi’s contributions to Japan’s foreign policy, economic security and engagement with the Global South. He encouraged stronger dialogue between Pacific countries and Global South partners.
He also reiterated the Pacific’s vulnerability to climate change. Ditoka stressed the importance of high-level participation in Pre-COP engagements to keep Pacific concerns on the global agenda. Both sides expressed optimism that continued high-level exchanges would expand cooperation and deliver meaningful outcomes for Fiji and Japan.
