Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and Tuvalu » Past Assistance Projects to Tuvalu » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)» Speech

Speech by H.E. Mr. Eiichi Oshima, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan At the Grant Contract Signing Ceremony for GGP Projects in the Republic of Tuvalu

Wednesday, 14th March 2012, 2.00 p.m. at Funafuti, Tuvalu

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa, Good afternoon

I am delighted to represent the Government of Japan in formalising Japan’s funding assistance to the Government of Tuvalu and am thankful to you all who are present here to witness the signing of Grant Contracts that will formalise Japan’s assistance for the provision of a Fire Truck and the construction of Children’s Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital in Funafuti.

These two Projects will be assisted through the Japan’s Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Programme known as GGP in short. GGP was founded upon the policy of “Human Security”. Human security aims to protect people from critical and pervasive threats to human lives, livelihoods and dignity, and to enhance human fulfillment. For these objectives, human security tries to integrate and strengthen initiatives that emphasize human-centered perspectives.

I believe that a series of Japan’s GGP Projects for Tuvalu has contributed to the development of Tuvalu as well as Human Security of Tuvaluan people. I also believe that these two Projects will satisfy the basic human needs and will provide Human Security for the people in Tuvalu.

Princess Margaret Hospital is the only general hospital in Tuvalu. I am very proud that Princess Margaret Hospital was constructed by the Governmentr of Japan and it is very important for the people in Tuvalu. The new Children’s Ward will provide opportunities to have medical treatments as well as better treatment to babies and children in Tuvalu.

Likewise, the provision of a new Fire Truck to the Tuvalu Police Department will provide necessary facility to prevent fire and safeguard premises and the people of Tuvalu.

 I am hopeful that these new equipments and facilities will provide necessary assistance to improve services to the people of the Government of Tuvalu.

I am very glad that the Government and the People of Japan have assisted the development of Tuvalu and the improvement of Human Security for Tuvaluan people through various assistance such as these  GGP projects.

I am confident that these projects will contribute to strengthening the friendly ties between the Governments and the people of Tuvalu and Japan.

I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the Tuvalu’s contribution to the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. People in Japan have received great encouragement from the people of Tuvalu and the Pacific region in the aftermath of the disaster. I wish to highlight the fact that concurrently, a Photo and Illustrative Exhibition is being held in the foyer of the Government Building which shows the state of recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas struck by the earthquake and tsunami. I believe that this venue is very appropriate to exhibit how recovery and reconstruction has been achieved in the affected areas.

Finally, with these few words, I would like to congratulate you all on the formalising of Japan’s assistance to these projects, and I look forward to its successful implementation. I also hope that these projects will extensively contribute to improving the standard of living of the people of Tuvalu.

Thank You.