Japan to provide disaster response vessel as PM Rabuka, Takaichi deepen Fiji–Japan ties

Japan’s commitment to provide Fiji with a new disaster-response vessel were part of discussions as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, in a historic bilateral meeting yesterday.

Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Japan for its “longstanding friendship” and its support for projects that strengthen Fiji’s resilience, including the upcoming Disaster Response Multi-Purpose Vessel Project, which he said will boost Fiji’s preparedness and regional response capacity.

He also congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi on her historic appointment as Japan’s first female leader, calling it “a remarkable milestone in the pursuit of inclusiveness and enhanced representation within the political sphere.”

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and development across the Pacific, with Rabuka stressing Fiji’s readiness to work closely with Japan to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and respond to shared challenges.

Mr Rabuka acknowledged Japan’s major contributions to Fiji’s development, highlighting projects such as the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge reconstruction, the Pacific Meteorological Centre grant, and cybersecurity upgrades.

Following the meeting, the leaders signed the Lomavata–Kizuna Partnership Joint Communiqué, paving the way for deeper cooperation in sports, trade, tourism, agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, health, aviation, and training.

On regional matters, Rabuka emphasised the Pacific’s cultural and strategic importance and sought Japan’s support for Australia’s COP31 bid, noting it would “amplify Pacific voices in global climate negotiations.”

He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and thanked Japan for its ongoing support through the PALM process.

Prime Minister Takaichi described Fiji and Japan as “important partners in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” adding that Japan aims to tailor cooperation to Fiji’s needs — including through the planned disaster-response vessel.

She said Japan intends to “stride forward together with Fiji” as both countries strengthen economic relations, regional connectivity, and resilience.

Fiji and Japan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1970, a partnership Rabuka said has been built on “mutual respect, shared values, and close development cooperation.”