The Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Simeon Seoule welcomed his excellency, Ambassador OKUDA, to Parliament House on January 19, 2024.
Hon. Simeon expressed his sincere appreciation for Japan’s ongoing assistance to Vanuatu’s National Parliament.
Since 2016, the Vanuatu Parliament has been supported by UNDP through two major parliamentary development projects: the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI) project funded by New Zealand, and the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries (SLIP), funded by the Government of Japan.
The SLIP Project supports the Vanuatu Parliament to become more effective and efficient by strengthening legislation and oversight committees and building the capacities of legislators and staff professionals.
Through this project, the Vanuatu Parliament has carried out several outreach activities in the remote islands of Vanuatu “bringing Parliament closer to People”.
This project also enables MPs and Staff to undertake international training.
His Excellency OKUDA assured the Speaker that the Government of Japan will continue to support the Vanuatu Parliament.
They also discussed further development of bilateral cooperation and friendship between Vanuatu and Japan.
