ABASHIRI CITY, HOKKAIDO – Ambassador Mataitoga pays a courtesy call on Abashiri City Mayor

/in , , , /by

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.

Vacancies at The Republic of the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo

/in /by

i) Personal Assistant/Confidential Secretary to Ambassador; and

ii) Tourism/Commercial Officer

Vacancies close on Tuesday, 7 May 2019. Email: ashneel.shankar@fijiembassy.jp for more details.

 

 

 

Fiji’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Vietnam Presents Letter of Credence in Hanoi

/in /by

In a solemn and historic ceremony held on 9 November 2016, in the city of Hanoi, Vietnam, HE Isikeli Mataitoga presented the Letter of Credence, his official appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Fiji, to HE Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

This is the first time an Ambassador has been appointed for Fiji to Vietnam since diplomatic relations was established in 1993.

1

Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga presenting Credentials to HE Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

In accepting the letter of credence from Ambassador Mataitoga, HE Mr. Tran Dai Quang expressed the desire of the Vietnamese Government that bilateral relations between the two countries will deepen during his tenure.

HE President Quang voiced his hope that the two countries will further engaged at high level political exchanges, as well as senior government officials level, to promote better understanding of each country’s development priorities and boost greater awareness. The President urged that Fiji and Vietnam look at ways to promote trade and economic relations between them and encourage the role that the private sector plays.

2

HE President Quang in discussion with Ambassador Mataitoga

Mr. Quang also urged Ambassador Mataitoga to visit and engage with industry and business representatives in Ho Chi Ming City, the commerce capital of Vietnam. President Quang further observed the need to discuss ways of cooperative support between the two countries, particularly in the United Nations, as well as other international forums, on critical common issues.

In his response, Ambassador Mataitoga thanked President Quang for accepting his Credentials as Ambassador to Vietnam; formally opening the way for the two countries to develop and diplomatic ways to improve their relations in all spheres of government. HE Mataitoga informed that he is keen to pursue and deepen bilateral relations between Fiji and Vietnam in all areas referred to by the President. He observed that Fiji is keen to explore innovative ways, on boosting trade and investment relations between the two countries and underscored the role of the private sector in this regard.

Fiji Embassy, Tokyo

Exploring Innovative Practices at the International Symposium on Capacity Building for Sustainable Oceans, Tokyo – July 2016

/in , , , /by

The Nippon Foundation and Government of Japan, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy hosted an International Symposium on Capacity Building for Sustainable Oceans from 19th July to 20th July 2016, at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, Japan. The symposimum was attended to by Heads of Government, science, industry, academia, international organizations and community representatives.

Sustainable Oceans seminar

(L-R) Ambassador Matsutaro (Palau), Ambasasdor Tupou (Tonga), HE Tommy Remmengesau (President of the Republic of Palau) and Ambasasdor Mataitoga at the Welcome Reception

The two-day symposium is in pursuit of the commitment made by The Nippon Foundation at the Rio+20, to open a global dialogue to support many communities and countries to improve ocean health. The Foundation together with the Government of Japan and The Nature Conservancy then created a platform to explore innovative Global ocean building practices on the managing of our oceans and educating and connecting. Profile of practical examples of successful programs at the community level, as well as cross-boundary networks to discover the available opportunities for taking care of our oceans were also noted.

The two-day symposium also explored elements of each practice which are specifically effective at building capacity in relation to issues such as ocean education, fisheries, marine and coastal planning,  climate change adaptation, science for decision making and multi-stakeholder networks. It also provided a special panel discussion on the Future Prospect for Ocean Education in Japan, stressing on the need to create more awareness of the ocean’s essential services and contributions, to which one mentioned of the need to increase applicants for jobs on the sea.

H.E Tommy Remengesau Jr., President, Republic of Palau and H.E. Anote Tong, Former President of the Republic of Kiribati also gave keynote speeches at the Symposium Opening. Ambassador Mataitoga and Second Secretary Kelera Savu attended from the Embassy.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji, Tokyo – Vacancy for Finance Administrative Officer [Accounts]

/756 Comments/in , , , /by

FINANCE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER [ACCOUNTS] 

The incumbent will be responsible to the Ambassador in the management and operation of all physical, manpower and financial resources allocated to the Account Section for the implementation, monitoring, coordination and evaluation of the Embassy`s account. Another function involves conducting the annual Board of Survey, Staff Leave Administration and assisting in interpretation – Japanese to English and vice versa or any other additional duties required by the Ambassador.

Qualification: A relevant Degree in Accounts and Finance Management or equivalent from a recognised institution. The incumbent should have at least 5 years’ service in any organization in Japan. Special Requirements and additional qualification in Interpretation and Human Resource Management would be an added advantage.

Skills: Excellent analytical skills with advanced Excel Spreadsheet including ability to prepare cash flows, Variance analysis, Financial ratios & others and have knowledge of various Accounting Softwares and systems.

Applications for the said post must be addressed to the Ambassador (Attention: Second Secretary, NOA Bld. 14F, 2-3-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041). All applicants must include their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Original transcripts (with English translation if needed).

Closing date for all applications must arrive by Monday, 10 August 2015. Late applications will not be considered.

Japan’s new Development Cooperation Charter

/in /by

On 10th February 2015, Japan’s new Development Cooperation Charter was approved by the Cabinet. On the same day, a presentation on the approved Charter was convened at the Nippon Press Building  by Mr. Ken Okaniwa, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau and Deputy Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explain about the new Charter. The briefing was attended by journalists from Germany, Singapore and the United States and 32 Diplomatic Mission representatives in Tokyo. Counsellor Julia Korovou and Second Secretary Ms. Kelera Savu attended on behalf of the Embassy.

okinawa