Fiji’s Minister of Justice and Acting Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, recently concluded a pivotal three-day high-level dialogue in Tokyo aimed at enhancing legal cooperation and reform with Japan. The discussions, which took place from July 31 to August 2, gathered key officials from both countries, including Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Justice, Selina Kuruleca, and other senior representatives from the correctional and legal sectors.
This Strategic Dialogue on Law & Justice was instituted following a formal agreement during Japan’s visit to Fiji in January 2024, led by Assistant Vice Minister of Justice Shibata Noriko, highlighting both nations’ commitment to strengthen their judicial ties.
The sessions provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and explore innovative policies across various sectors such as corrections, public prosecution, legal aid, and anti-corruption. Minister Turaga emphasized Fiji’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that promote the rule of law, lower recidivism rates, and enhance public confidence in the justice system.
Plans for subsequent discussions are already underway, with Fiji set to host the next round in Suva in early 2026. This ongoing collaboration not only aims at the modernization of judicial procedures, but also resonates with Fiji’s broader agenda for justice reform, indicating a proactive approach in enhancing governance and institutional frameworks within the Pacific region.
This evolving partnership holds optimistic prospects for Fiji as it continues to explore opportunities for accountability and transparency in its justice system. The commitment to international cooperation signals a hopeful future not only for legal reform in Fiji but also for regional stability and rule of law in the Pacific.
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