Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is in Tokyo to attend the 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting and held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe last night.
Bainimarama also welcomed the opportunity to attend this year’s PALM 7 meeting despite his exclusion from previous years’ meetings. He adds that his participation at this year’s PALM 7 meeting demonstrates the Fijian Government’s commitment to develop bilateral ties between the two nations.
Bainimarama says for Fiji’s part, he is asking that Japan deal with Fiji in a more open and direct manner, and with a greater appreciation of Fiji’s own position rather than to take advice from third parties about the relationship.
The meeting was an opportunity for Prime Minister Bainimarama to raise bilateral issues for consideration. This included Market Access for Fijian products into the Japanese market, joint promotion for business or investment supporting Japanese Small to Medium Enterprises in Fiji, reciprocal visa exemption arrangements, parliamentary exchange and support, possible investment in the public utilities sector in Fiji and natural disaster resilience support.
He also highlighted to the Japanese Prime Minister that the Fijian Government is keen to see the commencement of the Nadi River Realignment Project.
Bainimarama also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Abe to lead a high‑level visit to Fiji sometime this year.
The two Prime Ministers also presented their national rugby jerseys to each other as gifts last night.
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