Twenty-seven members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have recently completed a two-week Field Medical Assistance Course (FMAC) conducted at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua. This important training initiative was organized by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD) and facilitated by a team of four instructors, including three from Japan and one from the RFMF.
The course culminated in a seminar focused on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), directed by JMOD’s Director for Indo-Pacific Regional Division, Ms. Tamoko Matsuzawa. This seminar highlighted the critical role of gender perspectives within security and peacekeeping operations, underscoring ongoing efforts to incorporate diverse viewpoints in military training and operations.
The training concluded with a ceremonial closing hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Rokuichiro Michii, at the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) Drill Square. His arrival was marked by a formal welcome, which included a quarter guard. The event additionally featured a unique musical performance that brought together members of both the RFMF band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) band.
Beyond the successful FMAC completion, the event further solidified the robust partnership between Fiji and Japan, reinforcing ongoing collaboration in defense training, medical assistance, and cultural exchange. Officials from both nations conveyed optimism about future bilateral cooperation and capacity-building efforts.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in which both countries are actively working together to enhance their military capabilities and combat readiness, increasingly vital in today’s security landscape. The mutual commitment to such training programs serves not only immediate defense objectives but also fosters a spirit of understanding and cooperation that is beneficial for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The completion of the FMAC and the focus on gender-integrated security strategies symbolize a hopeful future for military collaboration between Fiji and Japan, affirming a mutual commitment to promoting peace and security across the region.
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