There is great potential for Fiji and Japan to collaborate in areas of defence and security as emphasised at a recent meeting held between the Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan and the Japanese State Minister of Defense Hon. Tomohiro Yamamoto.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Fiji and Japan to map the way forward in expanding the current cooperation that the two nations have in the areas of defence and security.
PS Karan acknowledged the invitation extended to Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Security to attend the Japan-Pacific Island Countries Defense Ministerial Forum in Tokyo, from 4th to 5th April 2020.
He also conveyed Fiji’s appreciation for the support and assistance provided by the Japan Coast Guard to Fiji in the areas of maritime security, as well as cooperation in areas of training and capacity building. The need for continuous capacity building and further development of onshore based surveillance technologies were also discussed.
Fiji’s exemplary leadership and commitment of the Hon. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to call for global action and urgency on climate was also recognised and commended by Japan.
Hon. Yamamoto said Japan is committed to providing greater support to Fiji in its priority areas one of which is also the enhancement of defence and security.
Discussions also centered on the Blackrock project in Fiji, which is currently developed with the assistance of the Australian Government. He stated that the efforts to build this dedicated, unique facility is a step in the right direction by Fiji to build regional and international collaboration in promoting global peace and prosperity through stronger engagements between countries on defence, security and beyond.
Whilst reiterating Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, Hon. Yamamoto stated that Japan looks forward to Fiji’s continued support for its principles.
PS Karan met Honourable Tomohiro Yamamoto, along the margins of the Senior Officials' Meeting for the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (SOM9) in Tokyo, Japan.