The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports Hon Parveen Bala today received a courtesy call from the Director General of the Department of Culture and Sports of the Government of Iwate Prefecture in Japan, Mr. Akira Kikuchi.
Minister Bala highlighted that the purpose of the courtesy visit was to strengthen relations between the two countries.
He added that with the upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, it will provide an impetus to deepen the relationship through sports, culture and tourism and even leads to a stronger friendship with opportunities for international youth exchange programs.
Employment, Youth and Sports Minister received words of appreciation from the Director General Kikuchi for the assistance and support provided by the Fijian government towards the rebuild and recovery of the Kamaishi City from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that hit their region eight (8) years ago.
Director General Kikuchi further highlighted that the reconstruction of Kamaishi City and other coastal regions of Iwate Prefecture has steadily progressed with the support of Fiji and other countries across the world
As one of the hosts of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Director General Kikuchi congratulated Fiji for joining the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Iwate Prefecture and Kamaishi City are now preparing to show the world their stride towards reconstruction.
Both Governments came to a conclusion that the City and Fiji have sports, youth, tourism and cultural exchange as there is a huge potential in this field.
Minister Bala welcomed and thanked Director General Kikuchi and his team for the opportunities available and in meeting him and looks forward to strengthen ties in the near future.