Courtesy Call From the Newly Appointed Non-Resident High Commissioner of Pakistan to Fiji
16/02/2022
Fiji and France Optimistic About Increased Collaboration
22/02/2022Published On: 18/02/2022
Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan received a courtesy call from the newly appointed European Union Head of Political Section, Ms. Pirjo-Liisa Heikkila, at the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.
PS Karan congratulated Ms. Heikkila on her new appointment and reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to work closely with the European Union Office to deepen levels of engagement.
He acknowledged the EU’s remarkable support to Fiji’s socioeconomic development, especially through the COVAX facility, in the provision of life saving vaccines and assistance provided in the area of disaster resilience, economic recovery and EU-Fiji partnership on oceans and climate change.
Discussions focused on current areas of collaboration, potential opportunities on Economy, Trade and the Economic Partnership Agreement.
PS Karan said the signing of the Joint Operational Conclusions and Joint Minutes of the 5th Fiji—EU Enhanced Political Dialogue, is an important step in advancing engagements between Fiji-EU in achieving a more inclusive, innovative solution for sustainable, greener and bluer recovery.
He extended the Fijian Government’s best wishes to Ms. Liisa as she assumes her new role and also expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Seam for the ongoing partnership between Fiji and EU.
In response, Ms. Liisa said she looks forward for her new role to further strengthen the EU-Pacific relations.
“The European Union and the Pacific region share many common interests. Fighting against climate change is one of those priorities.
“We have seen both in Europe and in the Pacific how climate change affects the lives of people and we need to do our utmost to find the most effective ways to minimising it’s effects.”
Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, His Excellency Sujiro Seam was also present in the meeting and he reaffirmed EU’s commitment to work closely with the Fijian Government.
