Japan hails Fiji as Pacific security anchor

Japan has described Fiji as a cornerstone of peace and security in the Pacific, reaffirming its commitment to strengthen defence cooperation as regional strategic competition increases.

Speaking at the first Japan Self-Defence Forces Day Reception in Fiji on Thursday night, Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Hiroshi Tajima said Fiji’s leadership in the Pacific made it one of Japan’s most important regional partners.

"For Japan, Fiji is like the anchor of regional stability, peace, prosperity and security," Ambassador Tajima said.

He highlighted Fiji’s presidency of COP23, its role in hosting the upcoming pre-COP meeting with Australia, and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s Ocean of Peace initiative as examples of Fiji’s regional leadership.

Ambassador Tajima said Fiji’s strategic importance was recognised when it became one of the first four countries selected for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme in 2023.

"I'm sure from this inclusion you can clearly gauge how much emphasis we place on Fiji's importance in regional security, as well as in being a crucial defence partner of Japan," he said.

He said Japan had completed the handover of equipment under the programme, including assets to strengthen the Republic of Fiji Navy’s maritime domain awareness.

The ambassador also highlighted ongoing cooperation through defence scholarships, joint vessel-boarding exercises, medical training and the appointment of Japan’s first resident defence attaché to Fiji earlier this year.

He said Japan remained committed to expanding cooperation with Fiji under its vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific while working with like-minded countries to promote peace, stability and the rule of law across the region.