Fiji Host Next Tender

Fiji and Japan have reaffirmed commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in accordance with the Free and Open Indo Pacific Strategy. This has been highlighted during a bilateral meeting held today between the Minister for Foreign Affairs Defence and National Security Hon. Inia Seruiratu and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Taro Kono who is on a two-day official visit to Fiji.Minister Kono and his delegation were accorded a traditional welcoming ceremony as they met Minister Seruiratu at Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva. Through a bilateral meeting held between the two foreign ministers Fiji and Japan have committed to strengthen partnership in areas of Tourism Trade Investment Defence and Security and people to people links.A major announcement following todays bilateral meeting is the confirmation by Japan for Fiji to hold the next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in the year 2020. Given Prime Minister Bainimaramas proposal Japan has decided to hold the next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in mid-2020 in Fiji. We have confirmed our close cooperation for a success of this historic meeting which will be held for the first time in a Pacific Island country. Its been a year since PALM8. Japan has decided to increase resources for this region to pursue a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. We will promote new efforts particularly on maritime issues connectivity climate change and disaster management.Foreign Minister and I reconfirmed our collaboration to pursue Free and Open Indo Pacific and discussed concrete measures to that end. For example in the disaster management we are currently preparing to provide assistance for the Nadi Flood Alleviation project.In the maritime field Japans Maritime Self-Defense Forces training squadron will visit Suva Port this month. For the promotion of people to people exchanges we will invite children from all over the Pacific Island countries to Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year. We have also agreed to dispatch a business mission to Fiji to promote tourism trade and investment Minister Kono elaborated. Minister Seruiratu welcomed the announcements made by Japan and thanked the Government of Japan for its great assistance towards Fijis development goals.Fiji is grateful to the Government of Japan for the tremendous support towards the development of some of our essential infrastructure the Nadi River Flood Widening Project Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge and the Vaturu Dam project. Furthermore Japan has also been instrumental in the rebuilding of schools and donation of items to communities affected by TC Winston. And in assisting Fijians to rebuild their lives and communities.This is also a very exciting period in Japans sporting calendar. First as host to the Rugby World Cup later this year and the Summer Olympic Games to follow in 2020. Fiji will be sending its best rugby players and off course athletes to these two games and we look forward to great results for Fiji.Our Honourable Prime Minister is honoured to be hosting the PALM Interim Ministerial meeting mid-August in 2020. This meeting will also be an opportunity for Fiji and Japan to celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic relations. And as we embark on an exciting journey of our cooperation I reaffirm Fijis commitment to further develop our partnership and we convey our best wishes to the Government and People of Japan Minister Seruiratu said.