HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga called on HE Mr Tom Kijner, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on Thursday 22 January 2015, to discuss issues relating to the upcoming PALM 7. This meeting was held at the request of Fiji, intended to seek the support of the PICs in Japan for the discussion of new issues during the PALM 7 SOM schedule for 4 March 2015 and also at the PALM 7 itself in May 2015. Fiji would like to include the following issues in the PALM 7 Agenda and seek the support of the PICs in that regard:

• Limited market access for goods and services from PICs in to the Japanese market;
• Tourism promotion support for PICs in Japan

Ambassador Mataitoga explained the background of both issues to Ambassador Kijiner and stressed that these issues have been raised by Fiji and other PICs in previous Japan/ PIC consultations, but it does not seem to make it to the PALM for discussion at least. This is raising the concern that PALM is a monologue and not a dialogue process between partners willing to address development issues of relevance to all the relevant parties.  Ambassador Kijner agreed that these issues should be included in the upcoming SOM for PALM 7 and he would be advising his capital to support the inclusion of the two issues above. Both Ambassadors’ also agree that the matter should be first discussed during the upcoming SOM PALM7 next month.

HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga with HE Mr Tom Kijner

HE Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga on Monday, 19^th January 2015 convened his first meeting for the year with his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo, Mr. Yukihiro WADA, Director, Oceania Division.

The Ambassador thanked Mr. Wada for the opportunity to discuss bilateral matters that would enhance and deepen Fiji – Japan relation. He informed that at the commencement of the year he had undertaken bilateral meetings with PICs envoys in Japan to gauge the prospects of their respective countries relations with Fiji and mutual standings underpinning the regional sustainable development. The meeting agenda underscored high level exchanges for political leaders, the PALM 7 agenda, capacity building cooperation in international law enforcement, Fiji/Japan Economic Development Cooperation Seminar in Fiji and cooperation in multinational/regional fora such as in the UN et al. In conclusion Mr. Wada thanked the Ambassador for the insightful exchanges and expressed his wish to continue discussion on some of the bilateral concerns.

Mr. Yukihiro Wada with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

 

 

A meeting between HE Ms Tania Tupou, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Tonga to Japan and HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga was held on Friday, 16 January 2015. At the outset Ambassador Mataitoga congratulated Ambassador Tupou for the successful election just held in Tonga and expressed solidarity towards the new Prime Minister and the Government.

The principal issue discussed was the PALM 7 Agenda; specifically how new issues of priority concern to PICs be included in this year’s meeting agenda. The objective was to try to influence the Japanese Government in allowing discussion of new issues, such as limited market access for goods and services from PICs under some quota arrangement and tourism promotion in Japan for PICs.  These are issues which are central to the economic development of the PICs. The two envoys also discuss the positive impact PEC Fund has had in PICs and agree to seek their respective capitals support in raising the issues of the renewal of PEC Fund.    

HE Ms Tania Tupou with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

 

A meeting between Ambassador John Fritz and Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga was held on Tuesday 13 January 2015 at the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia. The meeting is the second in a series that Ambassador Mataitoga is undertaking in the month of January to review bilateral relations and discuss how to improve where needed. These series of meeting is also to explain Fiji’s position on issues that need clarification and where support is needed in areas where Fiji is engaging with Japan.

There were three core issues that were discussed between the two Ambassadors which Fiji raised and seeks the support of the Federated States of Micronesia:

1. Incorporating market access for goods and services from Pacific Island Countries to Japan on to the agenda of the PALM 7 Meeting;
2. Renewal of the Pacific Environment Fund [PEC Fund]; and
3. Tourism promotion for PICs in Japan.

Both Ambassador’s agree that the above issues should be discussed during the PALM 7 SOM and for it to be substantially included in the PALM 7 agenda for Leaders. The meeting was useful in sensitizing FSM about some of the issues that Fiji would like to include as part of PALM 7.

HE Mr John Fritz with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

The Japan Fisheries Association New Year’s Reception was held on Tuesday, 6^th January 2015 at the Hotel Okura in Tokyo whereby more than 200 people were in attendance. Notable were the presence of many Members of Parliament who came to brace the occasion as well as to render their support for the organization for their contribution in the country’s economic wellbeing. Counsellor Julia Korovou and First Secretary Jovesa Vocea attended the reception on behalf of FET.

Established in 1882, the Japan Fisheries Association is the umbrella organization for the entire fishing industry of Japan with more than 400 members including associations, private companies and individuals who contribute to the operation of the organization. In delivering his keynote address, Mr. Toshiro Shirasu, President of the Association alluded to the main purpose of the organization which is to promote the fishing industry and contribute to the economic sector and cultural heritage of the country. He further stated that the contribution by members of the association is greatly recognized and acknowledged which has seen Japan as one of the world’s largest fishing fleets and accounts of nearly 15% of the global catch.

Counsellor Korovou also had a chance to meet with Mr. Shirazu