Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica will act as Prime Minister this week while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka attends the 10th Summit of the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo, Japan.
Rabuka led the Fiji Government delegation at the first PALM Summit in 1997 and now heads the delegation again for the 10th Summit. He expressed eagerness to join leaders from the 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to enhance the vision for a resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity.
The PALM10 Summit marks an opportunity to renew the partnership between Japan and the Pacific countries, aiming to ensure that Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. Discussions will focus on aligning the implementation of the PIF Leaders’ 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, addressing climate action, environmental issues, people-centered economic development, and advancements in technology and connectivity.
Rabuka will engage in multiple official activities, including a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This meeting is anticipated to further bolster diplomatic relations between Fiji and Japan, encompassing key areas such as climate change, disaster risk management, health, and socio-economic development.
The two leaders will also discuss the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), which have empowered communities in Fiji through various development 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 concludes on Thursday.