Fiji and Japan Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, today [20.08.26] received a courtesy visit from the Chairperson of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Mr. Takayuki Kobayashi, at the Parliament Chambers in Suva.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Fiji and Japan and underscored the need to further strengthen cooperation in maritime surveillance and security, economic and energy security, as well as other emerging issues and areas of mutual interest under the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership.

Hon. Ditoka highlighted the growing maritime security challenges facing Fiji and the wider Pacific, including the surveillance of vast exclusive economic zones against transnational trafficking and other illicit activity, and welcomed Japan’s continued interest in deepening maritime surveillance and security cooperation with Fiji. He also raised Fiji’s energy security priorities amid ongoing global fuel price volatility, noting Japan’s willingness to support Fiji in building more resilient and diversified energy systems.

Mr. Kobayashi expressed Japan’s readiness to assist Fiji in the fight against illicit drugs and the HIV epidemic, building on Japan’s existing support in this space, and affirmed Japan’s commitment to working alongside Fiji as it confronts these intersecting public health and security challenges.

Mr. Kobayashi underscored Fiji’s importance as a regional hub and looks forward to the 6th PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting to be held in December 2026, a key preparatory engagement ahead of the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 11) in Yokohama, Japan next year.

Hon. Ditoka recognised Mr. Kobayashi’s contributions to Japan’s foreign policy, economic security and engagement with the Global South and encouraged stronger dialogue between the Pacific and Global South partners. He also underscored the Pacific’s climate change vulnerabilities and emphasised the importance of high-level participation by countries such as Japan in Pre-COP engagements to elevate these concerns on the global agenda.

Both sides expressed optimism that continued high-level exchanges and dialogue would further expand cooperation and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Fiji and Japan.

The visit underscores the enduring strength of the Fiji-Japan partnership and the shared commitment to advancing closer cooperation across the wider Indo-Pacific region.