Fiji and Japan have reinforced their shared commitment to digital security and regional development.

During a high-level bilateral meeting held alongside the Asia-Pacific Telecomunity (APT) Ministerial meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, both nations acknowledged their 50 years of diplomatic relations by expanding their digital partnership.

Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications His Excellency Seiichiro Murakami, emphasised Kizuna symbolizing enduring friendship, as a guiding principle for future cooperation to build a safer, more inclusive digital region.

A key focus was Japan’s continued support for Fiji’s cybersecurity ambitions with officials reflecting on the success of a joint cyber drill conducted in Suva last October, enhancing Fiji’s emergency response capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Hon Manoa Kamikamica, highlighted recent national achievements in Fiji; the establishment of a Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fiji’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and the implementation of real-time cyber monitoring systems.

The DPM also acknowledged Japan’s investment in the University of the South Pacific’s ICT infrastructure and the National Data Centre in Suva. Both of which were pivotal in the development of our ICT sector.

Looking ahead the DPM presented a copy of the recently launched National Digital Strategy and at the Japanese delegations bequest, sought the Government and the People of Japan’s partnership in areas such as ICT infrastructure for the Fiji National University, rural internet expansion via the Universal Service Project, automation for e-government and cooperation on the ITU’s Smart Island Project.

Both countries hailed the meeting as a reaffirmation of mutual trust and long-term cooperation which is set to grow into a cornerstone of Pacific digital diplomacy.

The APT Ministerial Meeting took place from the 30th to the 31st of May 2025 at the Hilton Sijuku Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

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