Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko will visit Fiji as part of the government's effort to strengthen its relations with South Pacific island countries.

Japan is due to host a 10th summit-level meeting with the island countries and regions in July in Tokyo. The Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting has been held every three years since 1997.

Kamikawa said on Friday she will attend a preparatory meeting scheduled for February 12 in Fiji, which will be attended by foreign ministers and other officials.

She told reporters that Pacific island countries constitute an important region from the viewpoint of Japan's national security, among other aspects.

She added that she wants to strengthen relationships of trust with them.

Kamikawa is scheduled to visit Samoa, another Pacific island nation, ahead of her visit to Fiji.