Historic meeting between Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Takaichi further strengthens Fiji-Japan relations

The Prime Minister, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka met with Japan’s Prime Minister, Her Excellency Ms. Takaichi Sanae yesterday, in a historic bilateral meeting that reaffirmed Fiji and Japan’s relationship.

The meeting marked a significant moment in the enduring partnership between the two countries, as both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing peace, development, and cooperation across the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Rabuka is among the first of world leaders to meet Prime Minister Takaichi following her successful election last month as Japan’s Prime Minister.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Rabuka congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi on her historic appointment as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, describing it “a remarkable milestone in the pursuit of inclusiveness and enhanced representation within the political sphere.”

He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s gracious invitation and longstanding friendship with Fiji.

Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working closely with Japan to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), address global challenges, and enhance regional stability.

During the discussions, he also acknowledged Japan’s substantial contributions to Fiji’s national development including, the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge Reconstruction project, Grant for the Pacific Meteorological Centre, Disaster response Multi Purpose Vessel Project and Cybersecurity Capability Improvement Project.

Following the bilateral meeting, the two leaders signed the Lomavata–Kizuna Partnership Joint Communiqué, which is expected to deepen collaboration in key sectors including sports, trade and investment, and tourism.

Other areas for further cooperation include agriculture and forestry, infrastructure, health, aviation and training programs, to mention just a few.
On regional matters, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the Pacific’s strategic and cultural importance, emphasising the shared responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Additionally, he sought Japan’s support for Australia’s bid to host COP31, noting its proximity to the Pacific and potential to amplify regional representation in climate negotiations.

Prime Minister Rabuka also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, which outlines our region’s vision for a resilient and sustainable region.

He expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) framework.

In closing, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed Fiji’s strong desire to deepen its longstanding friendship with Japan.

In her response, Prime Minister Takaichi thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for accepting Japan’s invitation, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Fiji in areas of mutual interest.

She stated that Japan and Fiji are important partners in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law, as the two countries share common values and principles.

For this, the two leaders affirmed their cooperation toward the realisation of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and concurred to further deepen the “Kizuna” between the two countries.

In recent years, the cooperative relationship between the two countries is progressing across a wide range of fields such as in infrastructure, education, health and medical care, disaster prevention, as well as security, justice, and sports.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that Japan is implementing cooperation that is tailored to the needs of Fiji, such as the provision of a disaster response vessel, and expressed her intention to stride forward together with Fiji to strengthen economic relations, regional connectivity and resilience.

Fiji and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1970, the same year Fiji gained independence.

Over the past 55 years, the Prime Minister highlighted, this partnership has been founded on mutual respect, shared values, and close development cooperation.