Following the seminar,
Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga was also hosted to a welcome dinner on Wednesday
evening. Attendees included the Mayor of Abashiri city, Senior city officials,
representatives of the sports association and Abashiri Chamber of Commerce and
Industry who all enjoyed the dinner.
Following the Dinner hosted by Abashiri City Mayor
In his
remarks, Ambassador Mataitoga thanked the Mayor and his Abashiri colleagues for
their tremendous support and assistance in molding together a very successful
visit itinerary. He further assured the Mayor of the Fiji Embassy Tokyo`s
commitment and support towards a successful visit program and the official camp
of our Flying Fijians in Abashiri.
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Abashiri City in Hokkaido
together with the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Tokyo held a Fiji
Promotion Seminar in Abashiri on Wednesday, 5 June 2019, to provide overview
information of Fiji with focus on sports and culture. Senior city officials, representatives of the
sports association, business sector, and interested individuals from throughout
Abashiri attended the seminar. About 196 people attended the seminar.
The seminar started with
the welcoming remarks from His Worship Mayor Yoichi Mizutani providing an
overview of the initial relationship between Fiji and Abashiri, rugby promotion
and Abashiri getting ready to host the Flying Fijians Team in September 2019.
His Worship Mayor Yoichi Mizutani giving the welcoming remarks
This was followed by
opening remarks from HE Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga further expressing profound
gratitude for the Mayor and his team’s willingness to assist Fiji in building
and strengthening the Fiji-Japan relationship in Abashiri, Hokkaido.
Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga giving the opening remarks
Ambassador
Mataitoga also underscored how rugby today is part of Sports Diplomacy, and how
this as a base has also seen Fiji’s genuine connections with other prefectures
and cities in Japan. Fiji’s win and being crowned the 2018-2019 World Rugby 7s
Champion as an example was also shared. The growing bond between Fiji and
Hokkaido in recent times following the establishment of Fiji’s Honorary
Consulate in Ebestu, and now with Abashiri as the first official camp site and
Sapporo as the official match venue for our team, seals the initial
establishment of Fiji-Abashiri exchanges. The need to further promote economic,
commercial and people-to-people relations between the two countries was also
stressed.
The seminar then heard a
detail presentation from First Secretary Kelera Savu on Fiji’s Overview,
History of Fiji Rugby and the Fiji Embassy Tokyo Outreach Activities, further
expanding Fiji’s footprint throughout Japan. The FET Outreach Activities and
Fiji Tourism Promotion 2019 initiatives during the Rugby World Cup
(September-October) were also explained to the participants and they were
challenged to support the efforts of the FET, now with the resumption of the
Nadi-Narita direct flights.
Fiji’s Honorary Consul in
Ebetsu, Hokkaido Mr. Chikayuki Shimizu also shared his experience and the role
he plays in further supporting the Fiji Embassy Tokyo’s outreach activities and
effort in strengthening and deepening Fiji-Japan ties throughout Japan. The
Abashiri Board of Education Superintendent Mr. Masaaki Mishima concluded by
thanking everyone for the great turnout, and in particular Ambassador Mataitoga
for gracing Abashiri City with his presence.
The seminar provided an
opportunity for Ambassador Mataitoga to express deep appreciation to all
involved in the preparation and arrangement of receiving and hosting the Flying
Fijians Team during the RWC2019. The seminar is the first of its kind of the
Fiji Embassy efforts to promote Fiji directly to the citizens of Abashiri City,
Hokkaido.
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While in Abashiri,
HE Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga also had the opportunity to convene a meeting with Mr.
Joji Kitamura, Vice-Chairman of the Abashiri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(ACCI) and his team, together with the Abashiri Tourism Association (ATA).
Common sectors, including Agriculture, Fisheries, and Tourism, along with
Training programs and Exchanges that can be undertaken for our youths and
farmers, were discussed at length.
(middle, l-r) Ambassador Mataitoga with Vice-Chairman Kitamura, together withAbashiri Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Abashiri Tourism Association officials
Making it
easier to do business in Abashiri, the ACCI is said to have one thousand
(1,000) members, who are mostly SMEs related owners and are driven in providing
quality information, professional services and support for businesses in
Abashiri.
The
Ambassador explained of the Fiji Tax and Customs Incentives for Investment and
further reassured everyone that the Embassy would submit the incentives copies
and provide more detailed information on how we can further cooperate on this.
Now with the resumption of direct flights, the need to increase trade, tourism,
and people-to-people exchanges were also discussed at large. Also, the brief on
the business opportunities in Fiji, and those that can and should be taken into
account when defining and implementing projects or investments whose funds are
readily available through the GoJ initiatives, for instance, PALM8 – Iwaki
Declaration and so forth were also noted.
Fiji’s
interest in attracting tourists from Abashiri was noted, particularly given the
resumption of Nadi-Narita direct flights from 3 July 2018, Fiji needs the
regional connections to be made in such a way that will allow an increasing
number of visitors from Japan. Ambassador Mataitoga further stressed the
required Tourism PR of Fiji`s delicious food, culture, tourist spots, etc. He
also advised of MANA Island Resort & Spa in Fiji, a Japanese owned resort,
and emphasize how valuable, such investment and attractive Honeymoon or even
Second Honeymoon packages that they create would be in assisting Fiji’s tourism
sector move to new heights.
Vice-Chairman
Kitamura shared the same sentiments, and further reiterated the need to obtain
more Fiji information in Abashiri and even throughout Hokkaido, for such
provides tremendous opportunity to market Fiji regarding tradable commodities
and tourist destination. Strategies to the various private and public entities
to visit Fiji, golf tours, fishing, and even creating packages for them were
also discussed. He further expressed how beautiful Fiji is, and how much skill
up training exchange cooperation for youths and farmers could be something that
would benefit both countries.
In closing,
Ambassador Mataitoga thanked Vice Chairman Vice-Chairman Kitamura and his team
for receiving the FET delegation and the opportunity to be engaged in a frank
discussion on keys areas and issues that are of importance to both parties. He informed that the FET looks forward to the
ACCI and ATA cooperation and assistance as discussed.
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WEDNESDAY, 5 JUNE – ABASHIRI CITY, HOKKAIDO – Ambassador Mataitoga pays courtesy call on Abashiri City Mayor
Ambassador Mataitoga with Mayor Mizutani
On Wednesday, 5
June 2019, HE Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga paid a courtesy call on His Worship Yoichi
Mizutani, Mayor of Abashiri City in Hokkaido. The call is aimed at encouraging both
parties to work cooperatively for the promotion of the 2019RWC and its exchange
opportunities.
Ambassador Mataitoga opened the meeting by relaying his
appreciation for the Mayor`s invitation and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and
Abashiri City`s preparation for the 2019RWC. Abashiri is the first official
campsite for the Flying Fijians, and for the last few months through the
support of the RWC Secretariat and FRU, have been preparing the required training
ground, training facilities, indoor swimming pool, etc. for the Fiji Team.
Also, the City, together with its line sports agencies, have been working hard
in preparing the citizens of Abashiri in welcoming the Fiji Team this year,
September 2019.
It is noted that the most prominent
industries in Abashiri are fishery and agriculture related. Agricultural
activities mainly include dairy farming and the cultivation of a variety of
crops, whereas Fish processing has grown to be an important secondary industry.
Forestry is another important industry in Abashiri and is supported by a rich
supply of natural resources, together with Tourism for its beauty of the lakes,
the landscape, and the Sea of Okhotsk, with the drift ice it carries to shore
each winter (mostly in February), are all very attractive sites which the
Ambassador later visited.
Speaking further, Ambassador Mataitoga
pointed out that Fiji is interested in a more long-term exchange opportunity,
most especially in the areas of sports, cultural, and educational exchanges. He
further seeks the support of Mayor Mizutani in developing
community-to-community relations between the people of Abashiri and Fiji,
through tourism promotion, study tours for school students from Abashiri to
visit Fiji. This, after all, is part of the PALM 8 Iwaki Declaration, and in
particular, increasing exposure and people to people exchanges between Japan
and Fiji/PICs. Ambassador Mataitoga further cited ongoing fruitful exchanges
between Fiji and Saga, Oita, Akita, and Takanezawa
machi of Tochigi Prefecture respectively.
Fiji’s interest in attracting tourists from Abashiri
was noted, particularly given the resumption of Nadi-Narita direct flights from
3 July 2018, Fiji needs the regional connections to be made in such a way that
will allow an increasing number of visitors from Japan. Ambassador Mataitoga
further stressed the required Tourism PR of Fiji`s delicious food, culture,
tourist spots, etc.
At the Abashiri Drift ice Museum
Both sides agreed on the need to keep track of the impact of
climate changes and their effects, particularly on the agriculture, fisheries
and tourism industries. Helping rural communities who are dependent on
fisheries for their economic livelihood, etc. were also discussed.
Ambassador Mataitoga thanked Mayor Mizutani for the excellent
discussion that has transpired and looks forward to having further discussion
on a variety of areas.
Following the meeting with Mayor Mizutani, Ambassador Mataitoga
visited the Drift Ice Museum, which provided an opportunity to learn about the
amazing natural phenomenon drift ice and also see the effects of climate
change. It is noted that watch year ice forms near the mouth of the Amur River
in Russia and is carried southward by current and wind until it eventually
rolls onto the coast of northern Hokkaido. Drift ice varies in its shape due to
the effects of wind and tide.
Also, close by is the Abashiri Prison Museum, in which the
Ambassador was advised of the history of the prisoners and the role they played
in the development of Abashiri. About 800 prisoners from throughout Japan are
said to be detained in this prison.
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The bilateral partnership between Fiji and Brunei Darussalam will be enhanced in areas of mutual development interests, with the presentation of the credentials of the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Brunei Darussalam.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji to Japan, His Excellency, Mr Isikeli Mataitoga, presented his Letters of Credence as High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji, to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at Istana Nurul Iman Palace amidst a grand ceremony on Tuesday this week.
Mr Mataitoga was received in audience by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, following the submission of Credentials.
During the audience, Mr Mataitoga conveyed the best wishes of His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote, President of the Republic of Fiji to His Majesty for the peace, prosperity and happiness of the people of Brunei Darussalam.
His Majesty congratulated the Mr Mataitoga on his appointment as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji accredited to Brunei Darussalam and assured him of the full support and cooperation from the Government of Brunei Darussalam.
His Majesty also expressed to the Mr Mataitoga his wish to visit Fiji. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates along with senior officials of the royal court, among others, were also present during the audience.
Mr Mataitoga also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Honourable Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof. Both the parties expressed interests to develop their diplomatic engagements on the principles of mutual friendship and universal cooperation.
The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji Tokyo, Japan 29 April 2019
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Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Oita Mrs. Mami Kawamura together with Fiji Friends in Oita to support and cheer on the Fijiana 7s team that participated at the HSBC Women’s 7s in Kitakyushu from April 20-21.
The Fijiana 7s team won the Challenge trophy after beating Spain by 41 – 12.
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The Fiji Embassy in Tokyo, together with Akita City in Akita Prefecture organized a two-day Bula Akita Festa from 1st to 2nd September 2018. The Akita Festa coincided with the Commissioning of Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Akita, serving the Tohoku region, and marked the visit of the Nasinu Secondary School U15 Rugby Team who were in Akita City from late August 2018, for a week-long Sports/Cultural/Education visit program, fully funded by Akita City.
Fijian Community members promoting Fiji at the Fiji Festa
The Fiji Embassy, together with the assistance of the members of the Fiji community in Tokyo and Akita, and likewise the Nasinu team ran a good and effective campaign and Fiji promotion in Akita throughout the 2-day event.
The promotional activities in Akita, included the following:
Fiji Tourism Promotion;
Fiji Culture Promotion;
Fiji Sports Promotion (Nasinu Secondary School U15 Rugby;
Fijian Made Products Inc. Bati & Ratu Rum [Fiji Rum Night] Promotion; and
The Commissioning Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Akita, Mr. Hiroki Miura.
Nasinu Team entertaining the guests at the Fiji Festa
These promotional activities and outreach are even more crucial now with the relaunch of the direct Fiji-Japan flights, and the need to generate and ramp-up interest in Fiji from Japan,
During the two-day festa, the Nasinu Sec School U15 Rugby Team who were in Akita City from late August assisted in performing cultural items, and sports exchanges with two-schools in Akita.
Fijian Community and Fiji Friends assisting with the promotion at the Fiji Festa.
Ends.
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The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Tokyo successfully commissioned Mr. Hiroki Miura as Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Akita on Saturday, 1st September 2018. Mr. Miura’s appointment will cover the Tohoku Consular District, which consists of six large prefectures in North-East of Japan.
Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, H.E Mataitoga presenting the Consular Commission to Mr. Miura, formalizing his appointment as Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Akita, while Mrs. Miura looks on.
The ceremony was marked by the official presentation of the Consular Commission – signed by the Hon. Josaia V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs – by Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga to the newly commissioned Mr. Miura.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the ALVE Akita before 250 guests that included the Honorable Members of the Diet, Governor of Akita Prefecture, Mayor of Akita City, Councilors of respective towns and cities in Akita and the Tohoku region. Attending the occasion were also members of the business community, representatives of NGOs as well as academia. Also witnessing the event were the members of the Nasinu Secondary School Under 15 Rugby Team, which is currently in Akita for a week of rugby and cultural exchanges with the Akita City and schools.
In congratulating Mr. Miura on behalf of the Government of Fiji, Ambassador Mataitoga expressed profound gratitude for his willingness to assist Fiji in building and strengthening the Fiji-Japan relationship in the Tohoku region. H.E Mataitoga also underscored Fiji’s long-standing emphasis and work in establishing and maintaining friendly relations with partners who have demonstrated genuine goodwill towards Fiji. And the growing bond between Fiji and Akita in recent times necessitated the establishment of this new Honorary Consulate appointment. It is also a reflection of the goodwill enjoyed between Japan and Fiji since 1970 in promoting economic, commercial and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
L-R: Mr. Ochida (Chairman Akita Rugby Union), Mr. Motomu HOZUMI (Akita City Mayor), H.E Mr.Norihisa SATAKE (Governor – Akita Prefecture), Mr Hiroki Miura (Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Akita), Mrs.Miura, and H.E Ambassador Mataitoga, after the presentation of the Consular Commission.
With the establishment of the new Honorary Consulate in Akita, Ambassador Mataitoga is confident that this will lay the platform for Fiji to deepen its reach in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in the greater Tohoku region. The Fiji Embassy in Japan is confident that the presence of the Honorary Consulate will encourage, support and translate business/investment opportunities into tangible benefits for Fiji and Japan. The office will also be an excellent point of information dissemination about Fiji.
Ends
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