In a first for the Pacific, Fiji will host the Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Island Leader Meeting in 2020.

This was confirmed during a bilateral talks between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Inia Seruiratu and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, who is on a two-day visit to Fiji.

Kono says given Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s proposal, Japan has decided to hold the next PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting in Fiji.

He adds Japan has decided to increase resources for the region to pursue a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, promoting maritime issues, connectivity, climate change and disaster management.

Fiji and Japan have also committed to strengthening partnership in Tourism, Trade Investment, Defence and Security, and people to people links.

The Japanese government is preparing assistance for the Nadi Flood Alleviation project while a Maritime Self-Defense Force training squadron will visit Suva this month.

A business Mission to Fiji will promote tourism, trade and investment.

Minister Seruiratu welcomed the announcements made by Japan and thanked the Government of Japan for its assistance towards Fiji’s development goals.