Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good Morning, Omo Yekwo and Ohayogozaimasu!

I extend to you all a very warm welcome to the Embassy this morning and wish to thank everyone for your presence  here to witness today’s signing ceremony of exchange of notes  formalising Japan’s assistance to Nauru through its Non Project Grant Aid program, known as NPGA program in short.　

I fondly remember just like it was yesterday that I visited Nauru in May 2012 to present my credentials, and I met then President and other Cabinet ministers. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me by the Government and people of Nauru.

During my stay in Nauru, I had attended a donor meeting which presented me with an important opportunity to learn more about the important issues in Nauru as well as the direction and quality of Japan’s support in the future.

 Japan, through its NPGA, has provided funding continuously 7 times  from fiscal year 2005 to 2011, which amounts to JPY 800 million, equivalent to USD 8.0million, in order to supplement Nauru Government’s ability to purchase fuel exclusively. But it was stopped last year primarily because it is not in the nature of NPGA Program to provide assistance successively.  However, through my understanding of the priority needs of Nauru gained during my visit and through my proposal to my government  on the necessity of the NPGA in Nauru. I am very glad to be able to witness that such efforts have materialised into today’s signing ceremony.

Japan’s decision to continue to provide funds for fuel purchase for Nauru was based on the idea to strengthen the Nauru Government’s efforts to focus its resources in the fiscal reconstruction and reform of the phosphate mining industry and to successfully implement its poverty reduction programme namely, “the Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy Program” for the future generations of Nauru.

In addition, Japan has also implemented 13 Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects for the communities of Nauru since 2006. This includes water supply system projects, rehabilitation of fire station and the construction of fish market in Anibare. These series of projects have enhanced resilience of communities in Nauru. When I had visited Nauru last year, I could see these projects were helpful for the people of Japan.

I am confident that today’s sign of the new NPGA programme together with the Grants Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects will show our commitment towards the development of Nauru.

I am also confident that this NPGA will contribute towards  strengthening friendships between the people and government of Japan and Nauru.

Honourable Minister Bernicke, I am hopeful that this NPGA will be utilised effectively  by your government to reduce the financial constraints for purchasing fuel and I look forward to the steady progress of Nauru’s reform programmes as well as the economic development of Nauru.

Thank You, Tubwa and Arigato.