JICA President Tanaka Visited Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa: Strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island Countries and promoting cooperation in disaster management, climate change, and social infrastructure development
2026.03.27
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From February 15 to 25, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko visited the Republic of Vanuatu, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Independent State of Samoa, where he held meetings with key government officials and visited JICA project sites. Through this visit, he reaffirmed the long history of exchanges and the strong bonds between Japan and the Pacific Island Countries. Furthermore, he highlighted JICA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing regional resilience by sharing Japan’s experiences and contributing to address key issues facing the Pacific Island Countries, such as natural disaster risks and social challenges including the outflow of human resources to larger economies in the region.
[Vanuatu
]
President Tanaka met with Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo Rasou. They exchanged views on further development of friendly relations between Japan and Vanuatu, as well as on potential new areas of cooperation. During the meeting, President Tanaka expressed his condolences and solidarity following the Port Vila earthquake in December 2024. He reaffirmed JICA’s unwavering commitment to recovery and reconstruction cooperation, including the reconstruction of the Tagabe Bridge funded under the grant agreement for the Programme for Emergency Rehabilitation of Principal Economic Infrastructure Affected by the Earthquake.
During his visit, President Tanaka observed a math class supported by a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) member (Primary Education) at Pango Central Primary School, where he encouraged the volunteer for her efforts in improving the quality of primary education in the country. He also met with JOCV members (Hospital Management and Nutrition) working for Vanuatu National Hospital. He expressed his high appreciation for their tireless dedication across the country’s healthcare sector and various other fields.
Visit to a primary school to observe a JOCV member in action
Observing JOCV activities at a hospital
[Tonga]
Following his visit to Vanuatu, President Tanaka traveled to Tonga for meetings with Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala. They exchanged views on the direction on cooperation in Tonga’s priority sectors, and shared insights on the importance of upgrading the country’s resilience. Key areas of focus included strengthening critical infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, and advancing capacity building based on the “Build Back Better” principle.
While visiting a wind farm on Tongatapu Island, President Tanaka observed equipment installed under the grant agreement for the Project for Installation of Wind Power Generation System. He reaffirmed that the introduction of renewable energy has been vital for stabilizing the local power supply and contributing to addressing climate change. He also noted that the site’s Tiltable Wind-Generated Electricity System is based on Japanese innovation and reaffirmed that such technology deployment through public-private partnerships underpins Japan’s ongoing cooperation for Tonga’s energy sector.
President Tanaka also visited an abacus class supported by a JOCV member (Abacus Education) assigned to the Ministry of Education. After watching the enthusiastic engagement of Tongan children and JOCV activities, he highlighted the importance of cooperation through the strong people-to-people bond between Tonga and Japan.
Visit to a wind farm
Observing an abacus class supported by a JOCV member
[Samoa]
Finally, President Tanaka visited Samoa, where he met with Prime Minister La’ aulialemalietoa and Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Mulipola. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations that have been built through years of development cooperation, as well as on challenges Samoa faces and future cooperation priorities in such areas as climate change, infrastructure development, and human resource development.
During his visit to Apia Port, President Tanaka confirmed that the facilities—including seawalls, breakwaters, and container yards provided by Japan’s past cooperation for Samoa, including the grant agreement for the Project for Enhancement of Safety of Apia Port—continue to serve for the country’s main port.
President Tanaka also visited a senior-level wrestling class to observe the activities of a JOCV member (Wrestling) assigned to the Samoa Wrestling Association. After observing a training session for senior athletes, he offered words of encouragement to the volunteer. He also reaffirmed that JOCV activities, including these daily coaching efforts and the team's active participation in international competitions, are playing a vital role in promoting wrestling and sports culture across the country.
Visit to Apia Port
Visit to a wrestling class coached by a JOCV member
JICA will continue to provide a wide range of cooperation to contribute to the economic and social infrastructure development of Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa.
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