(Press Release)
February 23, 2026
Japan Ministry of Defense
On February 23, 2026, Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjiro held a meeting with Hon. Pio TIKODUADUA, Minister of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs of Fiji, visiting Japan for the “3rd Japan-Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.” The summary of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset of the meeting, Minister Koizumi stated that Japan and Fiji are valuable friends connected by the Pacific Ocean, and are partners that share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Minister Koizumi also paid his respect to Fiji’s important role in securing peace and stability in the region.
- Both Ministers welcomed the advancement of cooperation in the defense field between Japan and Fiji, and confirmed the progress made in cooperation regarding maritime security and HA/DR including capacity building assistance. Minister Koizumi stated that he would like to proactively continue engaging in these areas.
- Furthermore, Minister Koizumi welcomed the first-ever cadets from Fiji to the National Defense Academy and also proposed a new initiative: “Next-Generation Leadership Security Program.” The program is a new initiative to further facilitate human exchanges and is designed to invite young/middle-class staffers within the defense authorities of the Pacific Islands who will bear the responsibility of policy making in the future to Japan. To this proposal, Minister Tikoduadua responded that this is a wonderful proposal and that Fiji would like to happily accept the offer.
- In addition, the two Minister concurred to make a Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges to further strengthen collaboration in the security field between the two countries.