Twenty-seven members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have successfully completed a two-week Field Medical Assistance Course (FMAC) at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua. This course was organized by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD) and featured instruction from a team comprising three Japanese instructors and one from the RFMF.
As part of the course, a seminar on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) was led by Ms. Tamoko Matsuzawa, JMOD’s Director for Indo-Pacific Regional Division. The seminar emphasized the importance of integrating gender perspectives into security and peacekeeping operations, marking a commitment to diverse viewpoints in military endeavors.
The training concluded with a ceremonial closing presided over by Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Rokuichiro Michii, at the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) Drill Square. Ambassador Michii received a formal welcome, including a quarter guard, and the event featured a collaborative musical performance by the RFMF band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) band.
The successful completion of the FMAC not only enhances the medical readiness of the RFMF but also further strengthens the partnership between Fiji and Japan. Both nations expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration in defense training and cultural exchange, highlighting their mutual commitment to capacity-building initiatives.
This growing partnership reflects an important trend towards enhancing military capabilities and readiness, crucial in addressing today’s security challenges. The focus on gender-inclusive strategies indicates a progressive approach to military collaboration and contributes to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The completion of the FMAC and the emphasis on integrating gender perspectives symbolize a promising outlook for military cooperation between Fiji and Japan, reinforcing shared goals of peace and security in the region.
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