The United Arab Emirates (UAE) looks forward to strengthen cooperation with Fiji in important areas of development such as economy, trade, tourism and investment, climate change and renewable energy.
UAE’s support was conveyed today to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala during a meeting with the UAE delegation led by UAE’s non-resident Ambassador to Fiji, Mr Rashed Matar Alsiri Alqemzi and Director of Department of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, Mr. Nooh Al Hammadi.
During their official visit to Fiji this week, the UAE delegation looked at opportunities to deepen partnership with Fiji particularly as UAE prepares to host the world’s most important global event, 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to be held from this November to December.
Dr. Korovavala thanked the UAE delegation for their timely visit to Fiji to build stronger cooperation ahead of COP28 and also acknowledged UAE’s assistance to Fiji through initiatives which empowers our local communities and improve their livelihood.
He welcomed UAE’s commitment to upgrade levels of cooperation with Fiji on issues of mutual importance in economic development and climate change.
Other issues included Air Services Agreement, visa arrangement, and UAE’s desire for closer cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
On the same note, Dr. Korovavala reaffirmed the Fiji Government’s commitment to work closely with UAE in the built up to COP28 and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the UAE delegation, Mr Hammadi expressed his appreciation to Dr. Korovavala for the fruitful discussions on advancement of development cooperation.
He said UAE looks forward for Fiji’s active participation and support in the lead up to COP28- a platform for Fiji and the Pacific region to leverage greater global support on various issues including climate change.
Mr Hammadi said the UAE is grateful for their visit to Fiji to see how best UAE can further assist Fiji with its development aspirations.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE will also collaborate closely with Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs in providing more capacity building and exchange programs in a wide range of areas.
Among the key assistance from UAE to Fiji includes, the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund (UAE-PPF) led renewable energy project worth US $5 million dollars for Lau, Kadavu and Rotuma (LAKARO).
The UAE together with Fiji’s Ministry for Public Works have now progressed into phase 2 of the (LAKARO) project for sustainable energy transition which involves the installation of solar systems within Government stations in Lakeba, Kadavu and Rotuma.
The progress of the project is following the Minister for Public Works and Transport Honourable Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau’s meeting with the Minister for Energy in the UAE earlier this year.
The UAE has also assisted Fiji in the reconstruction of 3 new schools in Lautoka, Navua and Sigatoka, as part of the rehabilitation assistance following the Tropical Cyclone Winston.
