The late High Commissioner of Fiji to Papua New Guinea (PNG), His Excellency Mosese Tikoitoga was laid to rest today at the Pacific Harbour Cemetery.
A memorial service held at the Makosoi Methodist Church in Pacific Harbour, was attended by President, His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Manoa Kamikamica, Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Hon Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Lenora Qereqeretabua.
In attendance were also members of the diplomatic corps, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Republic of Fiji Navy, and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka while delivering the Eulogy at the church service, acknowledged the late High Commissioner Tikoitoga for his unwavering commitment and exemplary service to the nation.
“Today marks for us a changing of the seasons, as we farewell a distinguished diplomat, soldier, colleague, leader, mentor, father, husband, a member of the foreign affairs and public service families.
High Commissioner Mosese Tikoitoga was one, who we can all attest, was proud of his heritage and his nation, carrying our noble banner blue until the very end,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
Prime Minister said that throughout his tenure, High Commissioner Tikoitoga was often seen providing guidance and advice to the Ministry’s leadership at crucial times regarding the Ministry’s strategic and operational planning as well as the restructure and realignment process in 2019.
“He was also actively involved in the development of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan before he embarked on his assignment to PNG.
“In April 2023, High Commissioner accepted a call to return to the Ministry to serve as Ambassador at Large before he was posted to Papua New Guinea as High Commissioner, where he spent his last three months in faithful duty to his country.
“In spite of all of his achievements, what he will be remembered for and missed most, is his ability to remain calm in times of adversity, his sense of humor that never failed to lighten the mood and his genuine approach and care for the staff of the Ministry; he was one who championed the welfare of the staff,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
On behalf of the Government of Fiji, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the late High Commissioner Tikoitoga’s family and also expressed gratitude for His Excellency, Brigadier General Tikoitoga’s years of service to our nation.
