Fiji, Japan reaffirm bilateral ties through major development projects

Fiji and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a renewed focus on development cooperation and people‑centred support.
Japan’s support includes several key projects:

• A $27.2 million disaster response multi‑purpose vessel;
• A $2.2m pharmaceutical warehouse in Labasa;
• The $70m reconstruction of the Tamavua‑i‑Wai Bridge;
• And $913,000 for cyclone‑resilient classrooms at Lomaivuna High School and Ratu Sauvoli Memorial School.

The renewed partnership was highlighted during a courtesy call between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka, and Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Fiji, Hiroshi Tajima, at the ministry’s headquarters.
Mr Tajima presented Mr Ditoka with a congratulatory letter from Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi.

Mr Ditoka congratulated Ambassador Tajima on his appointment and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to deepening cooperation under the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between Fiji and Japan are guided by the Lomatavata Kizuna Partnership, endorsed during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to Japan last year following his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Mr Ditoka acknowledged Japan’s continued support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in advancing socio‑economic development, strengthening disaster risk reduction, and building resilient infrastructure.

The meeting also noted the upcoming deployment of Fiji’s Ambassador‑designate to Japan, Kemueli Naiqama, which is expected to further strengthen diplomatic engagement.

Mr Tajima thanked by the Government and conveyed confidence that Fiji–Japan relations would continue to grow