3RD SINGAPORE-PACIFIC HIGH-LEVEL VISIT

The 3rd Singapore-Pacific High-Level Visit in Singapore was hosted by the Singaporean Government from 20 to 22 May 2024, and attended by representatives from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands at Ministerial level; Palau and Fiji at Ambassadorial level; and the President of French Polynesia and the Premier of Niue.

The 3rd High-Level Visit (HLV) was a valuable opportunity for Singapore and the Pacific to build a platform to exchange views and learn from each other in our sustainable development experiences, through meetings with Singapore’s leaders and senior policy makers, ministerial briefings and onsite visits. More so, in dealing with challenges currently faced in climate change and geopolitics, to name a few.

It was also envisioned that these interactions would open even more opportunities for cooperation, particularly in tackling the challenges of our time, learning from each other, sharing of technical capabilities in the areas of smart technologies and knowledge between Singapore and the Pacific. Fiji was represented at the HLV by non- resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Singapore Mr Amenatave Yauvoli, and Second Secretary Ms Vasiti Cirikiyasawa, both at Fiji’s Embassy in Indonesia.

The underlying theme during the dialogues conducted is that Singapore’s socio-economic development is environmentally sustainable and inclusive, undergirded by long term planning (50 years) and master plans (5-10 years).

Since independence, against the strength of strategic planning, Singapore has pursued sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion and its sustainability plans have evolved over the years to address new challenges, and ensure Singapore remains a green and liveable nation.

The HLV also afforded an opportunity for the Pacific representatives to have a joint call on the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Honourable Lawrence Wong. The High-Level Visit is Prime Minister Wong’s first international engagement since recently being appointed Prime Minister of Singapore on 14 May.

He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to the Pacific and reiterated the importance of sustainability on all aspects of development. Prime Minister Wong also emphasized the common interests and challenges shared by the Small Island Developing States in the Pacific and Singapore, particularly the existential threat of climate change.

Ambassador Yauvoli in his remarks, whilst congratulating the Hon. PM on his accession to the leadership helm of Singapore, highlighted a few issues pertinent to Fiji’s post-COVID development.

In this, he reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to its bilateral partnership with Singapore and the need to elevate our engagements in adaptation and mitigation efforts for Climate Action, learning from the prowess of Singapore’s adaptative capacity and capability to climate change; asserted the need for Fiji to acquire smart technology for its Water and Waste Management facilities; reiterated Fiji’s aim to effectively and efficiently deliver its public and business services through digital platforms, an area where Singapore is currently providing technical assistance on; and informed of the need to address the nation’s Debt Overhang, through identifying new investments to diversify and strengthen national income and government’s revenue base.

In response, Prime Minister Wong reiterated that digitalization and sustainability is a priority for Singapore and that his government can provide development assistance in the areas specified, through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) or through a customized solution.

The 1st and 2nd Singapore-Pacific High-Level Visit was held in 2012 and 2017 respectively, where High-Level Government Officials from the Pacific also conducted a joint call with then Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

The Pacific representatives undertook site visits at Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (Port Operations Control Center-Vista); the Singapore Tampines Hub – Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub; Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (City Gallery); and the Marina Barrage.

Whilst undertaking these site visits, various dialogues were conducted with High-Level Singaporean Government officials, on Singapore’s Transport Policy (Land, Maritime & Aviation), its Urban Development Policy, Water and Waste Management Policy and Singapore’s Green Plan for its National Development Policy.