Salutations
Honorable Speaker Sir,
Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers,
Honorable Ministers and Assistant Ministers,
Honorable Leader of Opposition,
Honorable Members of Parliament, and
Ladies & Gentlemen
Ni sa Bula Vina’a and a very good morning to you all.
I also greet our citizens following the proceedings in this August House via television or livestream, and those listening via radio or the walesi app.
Honorable Speaker Sir, it is with delight that I take this opportunity to say a few words on my recent three-day visit to Japan for the tenth Pacific Island Leaders Meeting or PALM.
Japan, like many of our other partners, has consistently been a reliable partner for Fiji over many decades. We appreciate Japan’s constructive engagement in the region and its significant contributions to Fiji’s socio- economic development.
Honorable Speaker Sir, this year marks the 54th anniversary of our bilateral relations with Japan, which over the recent past, has been nothing short of impressive.
While our multilateral relationship has been strengthened via the PALM Summit held every three years over the last 27 years.
Honorable Speaker Sir, in 1997, as Prime Minister, I led the Fiji Delegation to the first PALM Summit, also held in Tokyo, Japan.
The relationship between Japan and Pacific Island countries (PICs) have developed along two tracks: bilateral and regional.
I propose Mr. Speaker Sir, to focus first on the bilateral relationship, before I elaborate on the PALM Summit itself.
Honorable Speaker Sir, since the inception of our bilateral relationship in 1970, Japan has provided approximately USD 1.6 billion worth of development assistance to Fiji, for which I express our sincere appreciation.
I am also pleased to acknowledge the ongoing positive collaboration and exchanges on a possible Strategic Partnership Agreement between our two countries.
A Strategic Partnership Agreement would be a landmark achievement in advancing our bilateral relationship to greater heights.
Honorable Speaker Sir, on Wednesday 17th July 2024, I was privileged to lead our delegation to a bilateral meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, Hon. FumioKishida.
In discussions with Prime Minister Kishida, I acknowledged the continuous support of the Government of Japan with our infrastructure needs in critical sectors including healthcare, education, fisheries, aviation, and our disaster management capabilities.
I also expressed gratitude for the approval for a stand-by loan for disaster recovery and rehabilitation.
In addition, the establishment of a seamless disaster prevention system in Fiji through initiatives such as the disaster risk
management reporting service using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) Michibiki.
The QZSS enabled disaster reporting service will enable our people to be better informed of imminent natural disasters,
facilitating better preparation.
To further our bilateral cooperation three documents were signed:
(i) Minutes of Meeting for a Study on feasibility of utilizing Japan’s renewal, maintenance and repair technologies to extend the lifespan of the bridges and feasibility of public-private partnership projects. [Between the Ministry of Infrastructure of Japan and the Fiji Ministry of Public Works and the Fiji Roads Authority]
(ii) Memorandum of Cooperation in Emergency Warning Satellite System using QZSS between National Space Policy Secretariat, the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan and Fiji Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Fiji Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources
(iii) Memorandum of Cooperation on Trade and Investment Promotion between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Investment Fiji.
Prime Minister Kishida and I also exchanged views on various regional issues, including the proposal for the ‘Zone or Ocean of Peace.”
I also informed Prime Minister Kishida our gratitude to the Government of Japan for its transparency and honesty in dealing with
the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS).
We acknowledge and appreciate Japan’s commitment to keeping the Forum Leaders and the global community fully informed of
the measures being taken to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the ALPS process.
I noted the International Atomic Energy Agenc (IAEA) 4th July 2023 report and the IAEA Task Force’s first full report issued in January 2024 since the discharge began last year.
The IAEA Task Force concluded the discharge to be consistent with international safety standards and reaffirmed the conclusions from the Agency’s comprehensive safety report issued last year.
We continue to request the Government of Japan to continue to take measures in accordance with international safety standards and take all possible measures to ensure no transboundary harm to the Blue Pacific Continent.
Honorable Speaker Sir, the PALM Summit held every three years since 1997 has developed into a central platform for regional policy dialogue.
I commend the Government and people of Japan for the consistent delivery of its commitments throughout the PALM process
for nearly three decades.
On Thursday 18th July 2024, the Tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) was held under the co-chairmanship of Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, and Hon. Mr. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands (current chair of the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting).
I attended the Summit with Leaders and representatives of 14 Pacific Island countries as well as New Caledonia, French
Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand, and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Honorable Speaker Sir, I want to acknowledge the Government of Japan for agreeing to incorporate the seven priority areas of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan into the PALM process.
This was achieved via preparatory meetings of senior officials of PIF member states with representatives of the Government of Japan at the Forum Secretariat in the months and weeks prior to the Summit.
The outcomes of Senior Forum Officials discussions were tabled to the Caucus Meeting of Pacific Leaders in Tokyo on Wednesday 17th July 2024, prior to the PALM Summit on the 18th of July 2024. As an aside, that Caucus Meeting allowed Pacific Leaders to also discuss other urgent matters including the situation in New Caledonia while in Tokyo.
Hon. Speaker Sir, the Leaders issued a Declaration and Joint Action Plan as the outcome of our discussions.
The PALM10 Joint Action Plan is the basis for mutually acceptable projects for cooperation and exchange.
The Plan includes multiple concrete projects for cooperation and exchange, in line with the 2050 Strategy and its Implementation Plan.
Going forward, the Joint Action Plan endorsed at the Summit forms the basis for mutually acceptable projects for cooperation
and exchanges.
Honorable Speaker Sir, in addition to the PALM Summit and bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, there were an
additional 13 engagements and meetings that made for a very busy three day visit to the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
Along with the other Pacific Leaders, Mrs. Rabuka and I were also honored to meet their Royal Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan in a brief audience.
The Prime Minister of Japan Hon. Fumio Kishida also hosted Pacific Leaders to a State Banquet and I must express my
gratitude to the Prime Minister and Government of Japan for all courtesies and privileges given to me and my delegation.
Honorable Speaker Sir, I held fruitful discussions with the Chairman of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dr. Akihiko Tanaka to discuss ongoing and new areas of development cooperation.
One area Sir that has been successful is the area of people to people exchange and human resource development.
Honorable Speaker Sir, my close observation of the strength of the Japanese economy and infrastructure, which must be
described as a miraculous transformation from the struggle after World War II.
I was impressed that despite their economic success, the people of Japan have retained their culture of discipline, hard work, respect and civility.
In this regard, I sought more opportunities for people to people exchange, in particular for our young people, including sports exchange.
Just as an aside, Mr. Speaker, it was very peaceful and orderly on the roads in Japan.
Even in traffic we did not hear any wild honking as they respect the laws that this is used only in an emergency or dangerous situation.
Honorable Speaker Sir, the presence of PIF Leaders in one location allowed me to catch up briefly with the Australian Foreign
Minister, Senator Penny Wong, and a few other Leaders.
I also had the opportunity Sir to meet the Speaker of the Japanese Legislative Assembly or Diet, Hon. Fukushiro Nukaga.
Hon Nukaga is Chairman of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League of the Diet and other senior members of the
League enthusiastically attended our meeting.
I conveyed to Hon. Nukaga your greetings Sir, and may I also convey his warm greetings to you Sir.
I also took the opportunity to invite Hon. Nukaga and members of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League to visit Fiji, perhaps on the 55 th Anniversary of our Independence.
Honorable Speaker Sir, I also took the opportunity meet with key Non-Profit Foundations who have been long-time friends and supporters of Fiji and the Pacific.
These are the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and its parent, the Nippon Foundation.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation hosted the Japan Pacific Island Nations Conference in Tokyo in 1988, attended by the late former President, Prime Minister and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, nine years before the first PALM Summit held in 1997.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation hosted a special week of Seminars and Lectures during the PALM10 Summit, to which it
invited Pacific leaders, academics and researchers.
I was honored to attend to give my views on the PALM Summit, and the challenges we face in Fiji and the Pacific.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation carries out extensive work on Oceans related projects as well research related to the Blue economy, Scholarships for the World Maritime University. I was also honored to meet Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon
Foundation which facilitates development cooperation in Fiji and other parts of the world on ocean-related projects as well as disaster preparedness, quality education, and health, particularly on leprosy, poverty.
Honorable Speaker Sir, I always relish the opportunity to meet our people who have made their homes in the nations I visit and
Japan was no exception.
My meeting with the diaspora in Japan at “Fiji House” the residence of our Ambassador to Japan was a joyful one. I also noted (and this is a subjective observation) that they are the most polite diaspora group I have met.
I believe the respectful manners, hard work and discipline of the Japanese people have influenced them positively.
For our people who have left our shores, many have done very well for themselves, and we should congratulate and rejoice with them.
Their contribution through remittances is headed to another record year after F$1.4b was received last year.
Mr Speaker, as highlighted by these areas of collaboration, our enduring relationship with Japan is marked by increasing engagement across various critical sectors and issues and I take this opportunity to thank the Government, the people of Japan, and JICA for their support and partnership.
I thank you Sir, for the opportunity to deliver this Ministerial Statement.
Vina’a Va’alevu, Arigato Gozaimas and Dhaanyavaad.