Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka received an introductory call from the new Ambassador of Japan to Fiji His Excellency Mr. Rokuichiro Michii.
During their first meeting held this afternoon, Prime Minister Rabuka congratulated Ambassador Michii on his new diplomatic posting with assurances of Fiji’s continued commitment to advance the socioeconomic development cooperation between Fiji and Japan.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the ongoing collaboration in areas of mutual importance and Japan’s contributions to Fiji’s development notably through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of communities in Fiji.
The longstanding relations between the two nations has endured for 52 years through our close cooperation and consistent engagements at the bilateral, regional and international levels.
Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Michii as he assumes his new role in Fiji with the aim to strengthen relations best aligned to the development priorities of both the countries.
The meeting highlighted prospects for increased cooperation in the field of tourism, trade, infrastructure, investment and improved connectivity with the resumption of Nadi and Narita direct flights. This initiative reflects Fiji’s commitment to strengthen its ties with the Japanese trade market, a vital contributor in Fiji’s tourism growth trajectory.
In response, the new Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Mr. Rokuichiro Michii thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the discussions on opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
The new Ambassador acknowledged Fiji’s important role in the region, expressed confidence in Fiji’s growth prospects and that Fiji and Japan relations will reach to newer heights during his tenure in Fiji.
Since the inception of formal diplomatic relations in 1970, Japan has provided approximately USD $1.6 billion worth of development assistance to Fiji.
