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A general cooperation agreement signed this week aims to strengthen relations between Fiji and South Africa. The framework agreement sets the platform to collaborate in the areas of mutual and beneficial interests.
The official agreement signing coincided with the bilateral meeting held between the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Ret’d) Ioane Naivalurua and the South African Deputy Director General responsible for Asia and Middle East, Ambassador Dr Anil Sooklal.
As per the discussions, key areas of engagements will be explored through sports diplomacy along with platforms for enhanced bilateral trade and investment collaboration.
Speaking at the bilateral meeting, Ambassador Sooklal commended Fiji for its global leadership in championing climate change and he also congratulated Fiji for its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
He said it’s incredible to see Fiji providing a strong voice both regionally and internationally on progressive development issues like climate change and human rights. The two countries have recommitted to enhance consultations and engagement process on developmental priorities.
Fiji and South Africa are already collaborating on socioeconomic programs, that positively impact the livelihood of communities in Fiji, through IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) partnership for the rocket stove programme which promotes the Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in partnership with the United Nations.
The agreement seeks to broaden empowerment and development programs for the communities in Fiji.
Fiji established formal Diplomatic Relations with South Africa on 7 November 1994, thus in existence for 25 years to date.
