Fiji and Japan Advance The Lomavata Kizuna Partnership

Fiji and Japan continue to advance their longstanding bilateral partnership, anchored in enduring friendship, mutual trust and development cooperation. This was highlighted during a courtesy call by the Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Hiroshi Tajima, on the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara.

In commemorating 55 years of diplomatic ties between Fiji and Japan, Fiji’s Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi formalized the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership in November 2025.

Ambassador Mara highlighted the significance of the Japan–Fiji Lomavata Kizuna Partnership as basis for advancing our shared priorities, expanding development cooperation and fostering greater economic opportunities, resilience and prosperity. The significance of this framework was also discussed in the recent bilateral meetings between our Heads of Government, at the recent UNGA in New York.

He conveyed Fiji’s sincere appreciation for Japan’s ongoing development assistance, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which continues to complement Fiji’s national development priorities and improve livelihoods across communities.

Ambassador Mara emphasised that these initiatives reflect the practical benefits of the Fiji–Japan partnership, translating decades of diplomatic friendship into meaningful improvements in infrastructure, public safety, resilience and opportunities for the Fijian people; especially in meeting the needs of our communities.

Fiji also recognized Japan’s role at the recent Pre-COP 31 hosted in Nadi, and acknowledged the support rendered towards the established Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

Looking ahead, Fiji welcomed Japan’s commitment to hosting the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11) in Yokohama during the Japanese summer of 2027 and acknowledged the preliminary Interim Ministerial Meeting that will be hosted here in Fiji, in collaboration with Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), in early December.

Ambassador Mara acknowledged the importance of the PALM process as a key platform for deepening Japan–Pacific relations and advancing regional priorities, particularly sustainable development, climate resilience, maritime security and regional stability.

Ambassador Tajima congratulated Ambassador Mara on his appointment and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening meaningful cooperation with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

Both sides expressed confidence that the strong foundation of friendship, trust and mutual respect established over more than five decades would continue to guide the Fiji-Japan relationship towards greater cooperation and shared prosperity.