Fiji’s Minister of Justice and Acting Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, has concluded a significant three-day dialogue in Tokyo focused on bolstering legal cooperation and justice reform between Fiji and Japan. From July 31 to August 2, 2025, this high-level meeting included senior officials from Fiji, such as Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca, Acting Fiji Corrections Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi, Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva, and Director of Planning, Policy and Development Apolosi Veve.
The Strategic Dialogue on Law & Justice was initiated during an official visit from Japan to Fiji in January 2024, led by Japan’s Assistant Vice Minister of Justice, Ms. Shibata Noriko. This recent talk provided a platform to exchange best practices and discuss innovations in policy, aiming to strengthen collaboration across various sectors, including corrections, public prosecution, legal aid, and anti-corruption agencies.
In his closing remarks, Minister Turaga reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to international partnerships that uphold the rule of law, reduce reoffending rates, and build public trust in the justice system. The success of these discussions sets the stage for the next round of talks planned to be hosted by Fiji in Suva in early 2026, showcasing sustained engagement between the two nations in improving their legal frameworks.
This dialogue furthers Fiji’s broader initiatives, which include strengthening its justice system through relationships with other nations, notably highlighted by a recent Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Japan. This MOC, aimed at enhancing technical collaboration and institutional reforms within Fiji’s justice sector, emphasizes shared commitments to good governance, human rights, and rule of law.
The ongoing cooperation with Japan represents a hopeful advancement for Fiji’s justice system, laying the groundwork for improved governance structures and a more robust legal framework across the Pacific region. This partnership embodies Fiji’s commitment to reform and development in the justice sector, promoting not just effectiveness but also fairness and equity in legal proceedings.
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