FET at the 41st Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS) Charity Bazaar – 2017

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Madame Mataitoga with Ms Fiji 2017 – Ms Valkyrie Joana Yoko KEKSTADT, whose mother is a Fiji national

The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS) comprising of spouses of Ambassadors from Asia-Pacific countries based in Tokyo and the Japanese ladies hosted its annual “Charity Bazaar” at the ANA Inter-Continental Hotel, Tokyo on Wednesday, 19th April 2017. The event was officiated by HIH Princess Hanako Hitachi. With 23 member countries from the Asia Pacific region and a general membership of over 300, the bazaar provided a good opportunity for the public to witness the fruit and efforts of diplomatic and Japanese members of ALFS working together. Proceeds from the charity event are shared amongst participating countries for charitable assistance in their home countries.

 

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Madame Venina Mataitoga greeted HIH Princess Hanako Hitachi at the Fiji Handicraft booth and introduced Her Imperial Highness to the various products offered by our booth. Fiji’s participation included a Fiji Food booth and a separate booth for Handicraft goods. Fiji brand commodities like AQUA Pacific water, Island Chill Water, Pure Fiji and Virgin Coconut Oil products generated quite a lot of interest.

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FET – Food Booth

The yearly occasion remains as a tremendous opportunity to market Fiji in terms of tradable commodities and Fiji as a tourist destination. The Embassy is truly grateful for the assistance from Fiji friends who volunteered to assist at the Fiji booths and all to those that purchased the FET – ALFS Charity Bazaar 2017 Door and Raffle tickets. The four-hour event was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

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Ends

Fiji Embassy Tokyo

 

Consultations with JEVIC Co.Ltd

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JEVIC

HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga visited the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center Co. Ltd. (JEVIC) on Tuesday, 7th February 2017, and met with Mr Damon Jackson, President and CEO of JEVIC at the company Head Office Yokohama.

Also attending the meeting were were Mr Yasuhiro hayakawa, Director and General Manager, Mr Aaron Treadaway and Mr Lee Sayer IT & Public Relations Manager from JEVIC, while Ms Kelera Savu, Second Secretary accompanied Ambassador Mataitoga.

JEVIC is a Japanese-registered company whose business activities include pre-shipment inspection and certification of cargo. JEVIC services are primarily for used-vehicle inspection and extend to vessels, containers and new vehicles, and they provide independent pre-shipment inspections, surveys, verification` and certifications. JEVIC currently inspect/certifies all used vehicles currently being imported into Fiji from Japan.

The visit was an opportunity for the FET to see first hand the inspection site and procedures undertaken for each vehicle that undergoes inspection and certification for shipment to Fiji.

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Close Collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Japan

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MOD

HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga met with the Director of the International Policy Division (IPD), Ministry of Defense (MOD), Japan, Ms Mitsuko Hayashi on Wednesday, 8th February 2017, at the MoD HQ.

The meeting discussed and looked at ways to diversify defence cooperation between Fiji and Japan.

The meeting was attended to by Second Secretary Kelera Savu; and Deputy Director, Capacity Building Assistance Office, IPD, Mr Takashi Komori; Defense Official, Capacity Building Assistance Office, Mr Masaya Mizoguchi; and Defense Official, Ms Mariko Yasui.

 

HE Mataitoga Visits Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute

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Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan HE Isikeli Mataitoga visited the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute on Friday 27th January, 2017, and boosted the morale of the students after handing over a donation of $10,000.

The donated funds was raised by his mission in Tokyo spearheaded by Madame Venina Mataitoga.

HE Mataitoga informed that his Mission is looking at other ways to assist the Institute. He also mentioned that he is in discussions with the relevant government agencies in Japan to bring volunteers to the Institute to assist the teaching staff especially in imparting the technical know-how that Japan is renowned for.

Ambassador Mataitoga challenged the 50 students who would be Fiji’s future farmers to believe in themselves. He emphasized on the need to trust in God in everything as well as the importance of helping others. Ambassador Mataitoga said that was the first of the much assistance they would be doing for the institute.

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HE Mataitoga handing over the cheque to Navuso Agricultural Institute officials.

Former principal Reverend Malakai Tuikadavu thanked Ambassador Mataitoga and his mission for the much needed assistance. He said the Institute which belong to the Methodist Church of Fiji cater for students from all over Fiji. Navuso’s core objective is to train farmers and the Institute offers courses which will help those students achieve that.

 

Fiji Embassy Tokyo

Stregthening Fiji and Saga Relations – Saga Governor Pays Courtesy Call to PM

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Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi, led his Saga Prefectural Delegation that paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Bainimarama, on 24th January, 2017. The delegation was accompanied by Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, HE Mataitoga and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Aaffairs, Ambassador Nair.

Saga courtesy call to PM

L-R : HE Mataitoga, PS Nair, PM Bainimarama, Governor Yamaguchi, Mr Hideshima (Saga City Mayor), Mr Fukui (Saga City Assembly) and Mr Koga (Saga Rugby Union).

The discussions between PM Bainimarama and his Saga guests were centred on boosting development cooperation exchanges in the areas of culture, sports and arts.  PM Bainimarama also gave his support towards strengthening relations between Fiji and Saga Prefecture.

 

Fiji Embassy Tokyo

Fiji Embassy Tokyo Delivers “Cyclone Winston Appeal Fund” Cheque for PM’s “Adopt-a-School” Program

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Ambassador Mataitoga presented the Fiji Embassy’s (FET)  Cyclone Winston Appeal Funds to Prime Minister Bainimarama on 23th January 2017.

Winston Appeal Funds - Handover

HE Mataitoga hands over the F$250,000 cheque to Prime Minister Bainimarama

In handing over the F$250,000 cheque, HE Mataitoga informed the Prime Minister that the funds comes with the prayers and warm wishes of Fiji’s friends in Japan towards Fiji’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts, especially for students and youths.

The PM was informed that the Embassy coordinated Winston Appeal efforts saw donations from Japanese Prefectural and City Governments, businesses, academia, NGOs, Fijian community, individuals, Japanese students, and people from all walks of life.

 

Fiji Embassy Tokyo

 

For additional news coverage, see links below;

http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/01/24/japanese-official-makes-courtesy-call/

 

Japan Commends Fiji’s Role in the International Fora

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Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mr Motome Takizawa during a bilateral meeting with Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Hon.Mr Jone Usamate, acknowledged and commended Fiji’s efforts in the various international forums advocating and rallying the Pacific’s voice for action towards climate change, oceans and sustainable development related issues.

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Hon.Usamate with Hon.Takizawa

Hon.Takizawa informed of Japan’s support towards Fiji on these forums, as well as working closely with the Pacific Islands countries to ensure success in pursuing the outcomes of the 7th Pacific Leaders Meeting (PALM-7).  Mr.Takizawa also indicated the Japanese government’s willingness to continue its assistance in the areas of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and post-disaster rehabilitation particularly of schools in Fiji.  He added that He added that Japan eagerly awaits the outcome of the Fijian Government consultation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in regard to Nadi River Flood Control Projects, and looks forward to further assisting Fiji in its infrastructure rehabilitation and development needs.

The Parliamentary Vice Minister in acknowledging Fiji’s support towards Japan’s bid for the UN Security Council membership, also requested Fiji’s support in Japan efforts towards membership in the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

Hon.Minister Usamate expressed the Fijian Government’s appreciation for Japan’s continued assistance in the areas of disaster response and rehabilitation, and Japan’s longstanding commitment towards Fijian education and its contributions, through scholarships, towards the upskilling Fiji’s pool of human resources.  Minister Usamate informed that Fiji will continue to value its friendship with Japan, and looks forward to furthering this partnership.

Hon.Minister Usamate is currently in Japan to attend the Third Ministerial Interm Meeting for PALM-7 on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.  He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary  for Foreign Affairs, Mr.Robin Nair, Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, HE Isikeli Mataitoga, and Fiji Embassy officials Mr Isikeli Nadalo (First Secretary) and Ms.Kelera Savu (Second Secretary).

 

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

Tokyo, Japan

17/1/2017

 

Hon.Minister Usamate Attends Regional Consultations In Tokyo

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Hon Jone Usumate represented Fiji on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Regional Ministerial Consultations with Japan in Tokyo. He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Robin Nair and Fiji Ambassador in Tokyo, Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga.

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Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations, Hon.Jone Usamate (left back) at the Press Conference. At the front are Japan’s Foreign Minister Hon.Kishida flanked by his co-chair, FSM Foreign Secretary Hon.Robert (left).

The Third PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting between the Forum Island Countries (FIC) and Japan was held in Tokyo on 17 January 2017. The meeting which was held at the level of Ministers to review the progress and implementation of the decisions that were agreed to by the Leaders of Japan and FICs when they met in Iwaki City, Fukushima in May 2015.

Most of the Forum Island Countries were represented at Ministerial level and some at level of Head of Government level. The meeting was Co-Chaired by Hon Fumio Kishida, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia from FIC side.

The main issues discussed were the follow up in Japan/Forum Island Countries cooperation in the international fora, United Nations Reform and support for international conferences hosted by Pacific Island Countries. In the second session of the meeting the two main areas discussed covered working towards sustainable development and self-sufficient development through addressing environmental challenges brought about by climate change, Disaster Risk Reduction and waste management.

Hon Fumio Kishida in his opening remarks to the meeting acknowledges the important role Fiji will be engaged in as Chair of COP 23 of the UNFCCC and, also as co-host of the Global Conference on Sustainable Use of Oceans and Seas in 2017. He observed that Japan will support Fiji in these roles.

Hon Jone Usamate spoke on trade, investment and business development issues and the need to develop investment and business opportunities that create jobs for PICs. In terms of the issues that may be reflected on the agenda of the PALM 8 Meeting in 2018 he suggested that trade in services needs to discussed as an area of international trade that most PICs could be engaged in. The need to look at SMEs from Prefectural Government to engage with PICs counterparts, given their comparable economies of scale is to be encouraged through Japanese assistance.

At the end of the 3rd Ministerial Interim Meeting, the Hon Fumio Kishida announced that the next date of the 8th PALM Leaders Meeting will be 17-18 May 2018 and to be hosted in Iwaki City, Fukushima.

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The Hon Mr. Jone Usamate MP, Minister of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial relations was the head of the Fijian Delegation with Ambassador Robin Nair, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga, Ambassador of Republic of Fiji to Japan. Assisting the Fiji Delegations were Mr Isikeli Nadalo, First Secretary and Ms Kelera Savu Second Secretary.

 

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

Tokyo, Japan

17/1/2017

 

 

Fiji-Russia Agree to Cooperate in the Area of National Disaster Management and Emergencies

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A historic instrument was signed in Moscow, Russian Federation today, 12 October 2016, broadening the Fiji-Russian bilateral relations to cover areas relating to cooperation in national disaster and in the mitigation of technological disaster.

The instrument, known as the Protocol of Intentions, provides the framework that will guide the relationship between Fiji and the Russian Federation in National Disaster Management and Emergencies.

The signing of this document is again another important step in deepening relations between the two countries.

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Fiji’s Minister for National Disaster Management, Hon.Seruiratu (right) with his Russian counterpart HE.Puchkov (left) signing the Protocol of Intentions in Moscow

HE Mr. Vladimir Puchkov, Minister for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation and the Hon. Mr. Inia Seruiratu MP, Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management of the Republic of Fiji, both agree that the instruments they have signed will enhance the development and implementation of means aimed at strengthening the reliability of natural disaster forecasts and the assessment of disaster risks.

The two Ministers jointly expressed the hope that through this framework, more intensive cooperation between Fiji and Russia will be undertaken in the areas of Emergencies and National Disaster Management. It will also allow the parties to constantly review and determine the most effective directions of cooperation between the two countries, in the elimination and prevention of national emergencies. The two Ministers also underscored their commitment to enhance the joint participation of their respective national experts in various training initiatives to ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with any National Disaster situation or emergencies that occur.

Other areas that were discussed by the two ministers include Information Exchange for National Disaster and the use of cutting edge technology in disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency.

 

Fiji Embassy

Tokyo

12/10/2016