Hon. Ditoka Holds Talks with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, yesterday (07/07/2026) received a courtesy call from the Director of the Division of Island Nations at the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Mr. Hideyuki Shiozawa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva.

In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka acknowledged Mr. Shiozawa’s previous service in Fiji as First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan and recognized his extensive experience and enduring engagement across the Pacific, noting the value of exchanging views on matters of shared interest and cooperation.

Hon. Ditoka reaffirmed the enduring diplomatic relations between Fiji and Japan, established in 1970, which continue to be underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and strong-people-to people ties. He highlighted Japan’s role as one of Fiji’s key development partners and expressed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation in areas including sustainable development, climate resilience, economic growth, and advancing a secure and prosperous Blue Pacific.

Hon. Ditoka recognized the Foundation’s valuable collaboration with Fiji in promoting ocean governance, capacity building, and regional cooperation, while providing a platform to advance Fiji’s Ocean of Peace initiative, which includes the Island States Ocean Summit, and strengthening partnerships between Fiji, Japan, and the wider Pacific region.

Mr. Shiozawa stated that the SPF appreciates the work Fiji has done in the region and values its contributions to addressing regional issues. He expressed the Foundation’s interest in furthering its partnership with Fiji and the Pacific region through initiatives such as community-based tourism, which aims to strengthen local economies through sustainable, community-led tourism.

The courtesy call asserted a strong and enduring partnership between Fiji and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and underscored the shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, regional stability, and a resilient Blue Pacific.