The cooperation between Fiji and Argentina will boost opportunities for increased partnership in areas of economy and trade, sports, tourism, agriculture, and climate change.
This was conveyed to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala while receiving a courtesy call from the non-resident Ambassador of Argentina to Fiji, H.E Mr. Maximo Gowland.
Dr. Korovavala acknowledged Argentina’s commitment to strengthen our formal diplomatic relations and cooperation, established since 1975.
He welcomed prospects for expanded cooperation to support Fiji’s socioeconomic development priorities through initiatives in economy, trade and investment, tourism and sports, amongst others.
At the same time, he reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to work closely with Argentina to see how best the two nations can maximize the return on investments aimed at improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of our local communities.
In response, Ambassador Gowland said as one of the largest economies and world’s leading food exporters, with large-scale agricultural and livestock, Argentina is keen to assist Fiji, primarily through the provision of latest technologies, training and capacity building opportunities.
Dr Korovavala observed that with Argentina’s impressive record in land-use, farming technologies and green economy, partnership in the agriculture sector and farm-related development are areas that our cooperation can focus on. Taking development to the people is key to improving quality of life for our people.
Ambassador Gowland added that Argentina will also partner in trade and tourism industry particularly to explore adventure tourism prospects in Fiji.
Ambassador Gowland said there is enormous potential for cooperation in sports diplomacy particularly with Fiji’s success in rugby and Argentina’s championship in the world cup soccer, saying that it would be great to have sports training exchange programs between our two nations.
He said Argentina would also deepen cooperation with Fiji in areas of democracy, gender and human rights, particularly with our collaboration at the multilateral arena.
Ambassador thanked the People’s Coalition Government and the people of Fiji for their friendship and hospitality, emphasising that there is immense potential for our cooperation to grow by working closely at all levels of development.
As part of our cooperation, an MOU on visa exemption is already in existence that enables Fijians to travel visa free to the Argentina for up to 90 days from date of entry.
