Hon. Minister Tikoduadua attends the 3rd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD)
The Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, undertook an official working visit to Japan to attend the 3rd Japan–Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), held from 21 to 25 February 2026.
(Hon. Tikoduadua with the Minister for Defense of Japan, H.E. Shinjirō Koizumi)
The Honourable Minister’s visit was made possible at the invitation of the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Defense, noting that Japan had initially hosted the first and second JPIDD. For the 2026 Dialogue, approximately 31 countries were represented and the dialogue commenced with a welcoming reception on 22 February, 2026.
Hon. Minister Tikoduadua was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Defense, Mr. Mason Smith; the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai; and support staff.
On Monday, 23 February 2026, the Government of the Republic of Fiji and the Government of Japan held its bilateral meeting between Hon. Minister Tikoduadua and the Minister for Defense of Japan, H.E. Shinjirō Koizumi. The meeting reaffirmed Fiji–Japan defence cooperation, underscoring the importance of maritime security, joint training, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and medical support. These longstanding areas of collaboration continue to strengthen the defence and security partnership between the respective countries grounded on mutual respect, shared values and trust.
As maritime nations, both sides emphasized the critical importance of maritime security cooperation. In November 2025, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Republic of Fiji Navy conducted bilateral training, including the first onboard inspection exercise in Suva and a regional program hosted in Fiji for Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to advance maritime and naval collaboration.
In April 2025, the Government of Japan awarded two scholarships to RFMF cadets to undertake undergraduate studies at Japan’s National Defense Academy (NDA) in Yokosuka, with another cadet scheduled to enrol in April this year, 2026. The Ministers also discussed Japan’s plan to launch the Next Generation Leadership Security Program, which will invite young defence officials from the PICs who are expected to become future policymakers. Further areas of cooperation included potential collaboration in promoting regional safety in view of the growing concern on drugs, aligned to efforts to promote peace and security in Fiji and the region.
The Ministers welcomed deeper cooperation, with both parties expressing commitment to implementing the areas of collaboration identified during the bilateral meeting focused on expanding human resource development, strengthening people-to-people engagement and expanding institutional collaboration.
Following the bilateral discussions, the Minister and delegation also attended the JPIDD sessions which highlighted the evolving security environment across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, describing the region as facing three interconnected challenges: climate change, threats to maritime order, and the growing use of economic, technological, and information domains as instruments of coercion. Japan’s Minister Koizumi described the JPIDD meeting as a historic platform bringing Southeast Asian and Pacific leaders together for the first time to strengthen cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
During the forum, Minister Tikoduadua underscored the importance of strengthening maritime domain awareness, rapid response capabilities, skilled personnel, and resilient infrastructure to safeguard Fiji’s vast maritime territory. He outlined Fiji’s ongoing efforts to develop its first Maritime Security Strategy, integrating national agencies responsible for defense, law enforcement, fisheries, customs, border control, and disaster response. Participants at the dialogue reaffirmed the need for stronger regional partnerships, improved information-sharing, enhanced maritime law enforcement, and greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. The forum concluded with a collective commitment to deeper cooperation and solidarity among participating member countries, recognizing Japan’s longstanding support and leadership in strengthening regional preparedness, resilience, and maritime security.
The Fiji delegation was later hosted by the Ambassador-designate, Mr. Kemueli Naiqama, in a dinner reception held at Fiji House.
End.
Embassy of the Republic of Fiji
TOKYO
26 February 2026