
TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Saturday agreed to boost cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Hayashi and Bainimarama, who doubles as foreign minister, reached the agreement during a meeting in Fiji amid China’s increasing influence in the South Pacific.
The two discussed the recent signing of a security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
They agreed to promote multilateral cooperation involving countries including Japan, Fiji, the United States, Australia and New Zealand to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Hayashi condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Countries sharing core values should unite at a time when the foundations of the international order are being shaken, he said.
JIJI Press