This morning the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation and Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Mr Filipe Bole received the visiting Japanese vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Joe Nakano.
During their meeting at Minister Bole’s office at Senikau Office in Suva, the Minister noted the good relations between the two countries which have grown since Fiji and Japan established diplomatic relations in October 1970. Mr. Bole expressed his appreciation for the many development cooperation projects the two countries have undertaken over the years and the growth in people-to-people exchange between the two countries.
The Minister also explained Fiji’s Look North Policy which has seen the expansion of Fiji’s diplomatic presence in strategic areas around the world. He also explained the constitutional, political and economic developments that are currently underway in Fiji and the recently concluded 3rd Engagement with the Pacific Meeting that met in Nadi last week.
In his response, Minister Nakano expressed appreciation for Fiji’s assistance following the devastating tsunami that struck Japan recently. Fiji is currently hosting university and secondary school level students from the Toyuku Region that was devastated by the tsunami. The students are studying for one year at the Fiji National University, Adi Cakobau School and Nasinu Secondary School. Minister Nakano reiterated his Government’s readiness to assist in Fiji’s electoral processes.
The two sides discussed development cooperation projects currently underway such as the recently approved $5.7million Improvement of Equipment for Disaster Risk Management Project with our Department of Meteorology which will strengthen its capacity to detect, monitor and provide early warnings to the people of Fiji on severe weather and associated hazards. They also discussed Fiji’s request for assistance for the Nadi River Diversion Project.
Mr Nakano leaves Fiji tomorrow.
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