Ladies and Gentlemen.

I extend to you all a very warm welcome to the Embassy this morning and wish to thank everyone for availing yourselves here to witness today’s signing of exchange of notes ceremony formalising Japan’s commitment to Nauru through its Non Project Grant Aid program.

At the outset; Japan, through its NPGA donated 6 times continually from fiscal year 2005 to 2010 which amounts to JPY 700 million to supplement Nauru Government’s ability to purchase fuel whilst availing financial resources in Nauru’s national budget to continue implementing major economic reform programmes.

In addition, Japan has also continually donated 9 GGP water projects to the communities of Nauru since 2006. These series of Projects have supported community water supply in Nauru.

Fortunately, the Government of Japan has vowed to continue supporting the Nauru Government for the 7th time this year by granting JPY100 million through its NPGA program. The fund will be utilised for the acquisition of fuel, hence relieving budgetary pressure on the implementation of Nauru’s economic reform programmes to continue in sectors such as education, health and capital works for poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development.

I further wish to take this opportunity to express my Government’s sincere appreciation to the Nauru Government for the timely implementation of previous NPGA projects and I I am confident that this assistance will reaffirm our commitment to the Pacific region and contribute to strengthening the friendly ties between the people of Japan and Nauru.

His Excellency, Honourable Dabwido, I remain hopeful that this NPGA will be utilised competently by your government to overcome the financial fuel constraints and I look forward to the successful completion of the necessary reform programmes and the economic development of Nauru.

Thank you.