Courtesy Call by Japanese Defence Attache

The Acting Commissioner of Police has acknowledged the support of the outgoing Japanese Defence Attache to Fiji Captain Hiroshi Yamanaka for assisting with the institutional intent of enhancing international Police cooperation.

Captain Yamanaka has completed his three-year tenure in Fiji and paid a final courtesy call to the Acting Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu as well as to introduce the incoming Japanese Defence Attachè Captain Sugi Saki.

The Acting Commissioner acknowledged Captain Yamanaka’s efforts and contribution in assisting the Fiji Police in its networking efforts with the Japanese Government.

Incoming Defence Attache Captain Suki Sagi said he looked forward to working with the Fiji Police Force in continuing the work left behind by his comrade.

In 2018 the Government of Japan as part of its strengthened support towards Fiji’s development committed to equipping the Fiji Police Force with Maritime Safety and Security equipment, valued at close to $6 million under its Economic Social Development Programme (ESDP).

The assistance is expected to improve the Fiji Police Force’s coast guard capacity by providing the lifeboats and other maritime safety equipment, which can be used for search rescue efforts in coastal areas when the disaster strikes while positively impact in Fiji’s disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.   

The ESDP has a facility through Japan’s International Cooperation Systems (JICS) to enable import of goods, machinery and other amenities necessary to promote national development efforts of recipient countries.

The first shipment of specialized equipment is expected to arrive in Fiji next month.