On Friday, 5 August 2022, Ambassador-Designate Filimone Waqabaca paid a courtesy call on Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Takeo Mori in Tokyo. The Ambassador’s visit was to present a copy of his Credentials as the Republic of Fiji’s new Ambassador to Japan.

The Hon. Vice-Minister Mori welcomed Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca to Japan and stressed on how important the Japan-Fiji relationship has been. Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca expressed his appreciation to the Hon. Mori for the Government of Japan’s support and assistance towards Fiji particularly in the areas of (i) COVID-19 Recovery and Response, (ii) Sustainable Oceans Based on the Rule of Law, (iii) Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, (iv) Strengthening Foundation for Sustainable and resilient Economic Development, and (v) People-to-people Exchanges and Human Resource Development.

Adding on, Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca thanked the Government of Japan for their enormous support and contributions toward Fiji’s social and economic stability that had been negatively affected by COVID-19. The financial support provided, assisted the Fijian Government to implement economic, fiscal and health countermeasures and improve public financial management, policy-making function and business/investment climate.

Furthermore, Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca conveyed sincerest condolences on behalf of the Fijian Government and the people of Fiji, on the untimely demise of former Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency, Mr Shinzo Abe on 8^th July 2022.

In response, Vice-Minister Mori thanked Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca for the opportunity to meet and discuss opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. He further stressed on Japan’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Rule of Law and emphasized on how proactively Japan promotes the importance of maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.

In closing, Ambassador-Designate Waqabaca thanked Vice-Minister Mori for receiving him and for the opportunity to be engaged in a frank discussion on key areas of importance to both parties.

End. 

While in Akita city, Akita Prefecture, Charge d’Affaires Kelera Savu spent some time today with the Fiji Community in Akita, led by Mr Naivaluwaqa Setareki. A wonderful time of fellowship and sharing about the mission of the Fiji Embassy, consular services, and key areas that would boost socio-economic growth in Fiji – including sports and education sector.

Strengthened partnership between Fiji and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will enhance opportunities focused on progressive rebuilding and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and climate induced challenges.

This commitment was articulated today at a courtesy call received by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan from the new Resident Representative of JICA Fiji Office, Ms. Mayumi Amaike.

At an introductory meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, PS Karan congratulated Ms. Amaike and wished her well in her new role at the JICA Office in Fiji.

This coincided with a farewell courtesy call from the outgoing Resident Representative of JICA Fiji Office, Ms. Yukari Ono. PS Karan acknowledged Ms. Ono’s leadership during her tenure in Fiji and also conveyed the Fijian Government’s best wishes to Ms. Ono in her future endeavors.

PS Karan thanked JICA for its ongoing assistance to Fiji through infrastructure projects, funding for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation, technical assistance in Disaster Risk Reduction and programs contributing to Fiji’s socioeconomic development.

Recognising JICA’s Volunteer programme, PS Karan commended the work of JICA volunteers in their efforts to reach communities in Fiji.

In terms of the cooperation for COVID-19 response, PS Karan said Fiji is currently working with its international development partners in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine, whilst focusing on strategies for economic recovery and building back better.

In response, Ms. Amaike said, “While the three priority areas of “Strengthening the Basics for Economic Growth” (especially Infrastructure and Fishery), “Climate Change and Environment”, “Provision of Quality Social Service” (Health and Education) remain important, we will also work with our partners in Fiji in the COVID-19 pandemic fight.

“There are about 2,400 ex-participants of our programs in Japan. Since I have been in charge of training programs in Japan for the past several years, I would like to seek opportunities to collaborate with them in our programs.

“This is the 37th year of JICAs bilateral cooperation with Fiji, in terms of economic and social development. We are proud of our achievements through our cooperation – for instance construction of critical infrastructure (Water Treatment Plant, Fishery Port, USP, CWM Paediatric hospital, Fiji School of Nursing, Fiji Meteorological Service) as well as countless capacity development through trainings and technical cooperation projects.

“We are grateful for the trust developed overtime with the Fijian Government and its people. Although we are in a difficult time with the pandemic, JICA looks forward to continuing working closely together with the Fijian People,” Ms. Amaike said.

Ms. Ono shared the same sentiments and said that it has been a great honour for her to serve as a first female resident representative of JICA Fiji office, in its 37 years operation. She said during her tenure in Fiji from December 2017 to January 2021, the Japanese Government and JICA’s attention to Fiji and Pacific Region have increased with several new cooperation.

“I’d like to express my hearty appreciation to the Fijian Government and people of Fiji for the kindness rendered to me and all the JICA related personnel. I hope that this cordial relationship will be strengthened and continue into the future.”

(Source: The Fijian Government, 26 February 2021)

https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/News/FIJI-AND-JICA-REAFFIRM-COMMITMENT-TO-BUILDING-BACK