June 12, 2022
Japan Ministry of Defense
On June 12, 2022, Defense Minister Kishi, who was visiting Singapore to attend the IISS Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue), held a meeting with Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing of the Republic of Fiji, Hon. Inia Batikoto Seruiratu. The summary of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset of the meeting, Minister Kishi expressed his gratitude once again for Minister Seruiratu’s attendance in the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), held in September 2021. He also stated that he was pleased to hold the face-to-face Japan-Fiji Defense Ministers’ Meeting for the first time.
- The Ministers exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. Minister Kishi expressed that in last year’s JPIDD, they were able to have frank exchange of opinion on the common challenges that they face in the region, and re-expressed his gratitude for Fiji’s support. Minister Seruiratu expressed his gratitude once again to Minister Kishi, who served as the chair at JPIDD. In addition, Minister Kishi expressed his gratitude for the support upon Japan Self-Defense Force aircraft and transport ship, engaged in Tonga underwater volcanic eruption disaster relief to Kingdom of Tonga, call at Fiji.
- The Ministers exchanged views on the regional issues, and confirmed to cooperate closely on the issue of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
- Furthermore, the Ministers confirmed to continue further enhance bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges and to continue cooperate closely to maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
