Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica will assume the role of Acting Prime Minister as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is in Tokyo, Japan for the 10th Summit of the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM10) this week.
Rabuka is leading the Fiji Government delegation to the 10th Summit, much like he did in 1997 when the first PALM Summit was held.
Rabuka expressed his eagerness to join leaders from the 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to enhance the forum’s vision for a resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity.
A key objective of the PALM10 Summit is to renew the PALM partnership between Japan and the Pacific countries, aiming to ensure that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. The Summit will also focus on aligning the implementation of the PIF Leaders’ 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, addressing climate action, environmental sustainability, people-centered economic development, and advancements in technology and connectivity.
During his visit, Rabuka will attend a series of official engagements, including a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This meeting is anticipated to further strengthen the diplomatic relations between Fiji and Japan, which have over the years expanded to include areas such as climate change, disaster risk management, health, and social and economic development.
The two leaders will also discuss the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), organizations that have supported community development in Fiji through various programs.
Rabuka is accompanied by Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Pita Wise, Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development Isoa Talemaibua, and Chief Executive for Investment Fiji Kamal Chetty.
The PALM10 Summit begins today and will conclude on Thursday.