he 51 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and the Republic of Korea demonstrates the shared commitment of the two nations in areas of climate change, oceans, promotion of trade and investment and socioeconomic development.
This message was conveyed this morning during a courtesy call received by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair and Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama from the Korean Minister for Oceans and Fisheries and Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea Mr. Cho Seung-hwan.
The meeting took place along the margins of the 51 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting which starts today and concludes on Thursday 14th July 2022.
Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to work closely with the Republic of Korea in common areas of priorities and interests.
He said the ongoing collaboration between the two nations for the last 51 years have grown from strength to strength in the socioeconomic areas of development.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Republic of Korea for its support to Fiji over the years and especially in supporting Fiji’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through provisions of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and life-saving medical equipment, amongst others.
He said Fiji looks forward to further strengthening relations with the Republic of Korea in building back better from the impacts of climate change and the pandemic.
Perspectives on potential development cooperation in areas of oceans conservation, fisheries, climate mitigation, economy, green technology, renewable energy solutions were discussed amongst others.
In response, Mr. Cho Seung-hwan thanked Prime Minister Bainimarama for the opportunity to meet in person and the discussions they had will pave a way forward to increased levels of engagements between the two nations in the post pandemic era.
The Korean Minister expressed his support and that of Korea, towards Fiji’s efforts in addressing the unprecedented impacts of Climate Change and the need for a united strategy for the Blue Pacific.
He added that upon his return to Korea, he will provide an update directly to His Excellency Yoon Suk-Yeol the newly appointed President of Korea on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting.
