Fiji has a friend in Japan and Japan has a friend in Fiji, said Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau during the 50 years celebrations of Fijian-Japanese diplomatic relations at the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre, at the University of the South Pacific yesterday.
“Fiji is proud to call Japan a friend, a partner in development, and a fine example of how individual freedom and democratic government can produce great learning, cutting-edge innovation and true prosperity.
“Japan and its people are no strangers to Fiji.
“We had established bonds over many joint endeavours in the 1960s, including our collaboration to develop Fiji’s commercial fisheries sector which has grown steadily and closer since then,” said Mr Koroilavesau.
He acknowledged how relations had “improved lives and livelihoods of Fijians and for decades, particularly those living in rural and remote communities”.
“We appreciate that Japan stood by Fiji when we chose to alter our national compass and expand our global footprint beyond our traditional diplomatic and trade relations.
“Japan has also supported us as we energetically sought a strong collective voice in international affairs for Fiji and our Pacific neighbours.
“Despite all we have accomplished, there are many untapped economic and cultural opportunities for us to seize.
“There are many trade and investment partnerships waiting to be formed and we are keen to make them a reality.
“Tapping into these opportunities, we need co-operation and creative financing.
“We look to the future to expand economic opportunity collectively and to emerge from the current impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
