The European Union (EU) aims to strengthen economic and political cooperation with Fiji, with enhanced opportunities in economic growth, trade and tourism, defence and security, climate and oceans governance.
This was conveyed to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, while receiving a courtesy call from member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Hon David McAllister.
The delegation also included Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Australia, Mr Bertil Wenger, the Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation for the Pacific, Erja Askola and the Senior Programme Coordinator at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Eva Wagner.
During their 2 day visit to Fiji this week, the EU delegation looked at ways to build strategic partnership aligned with Fiji’s development priorities and needs.
On behalf of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Hon. Qereqeretabua thanked the EU delegation for their commitment to advance cooperation with Fiji.
She acknowledged the EU’s contributions to Fiji over the years, saying that the opening of the new German Embassy in Fiji, is a testament of EU-Fiji’s enhanced partnership.
Discussions with the EU delegation also highlighted potential cooperation on visa free travel for Fiji into Schengen area, defence and security, climate funding, and reopening of Fiji’s Mission in Brussels.
Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua said Fiji looks forward to working closely with the EU through initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood and wellbeing of communities in Fiji.
In his remarks, Mr. McAllister reaffirmed EU’s commitment to strengthen development cooperation with Fiji.
On the same note, he acknowledged the new Government of Fiji for their unwavering commitment to building an inclusive and stronger cooperation at all levels of development and the EU looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Rabuka for an official visit to France, this year.
The EU has also commended the People’s Coalition Government for its active cooperation to undertake the implementation and ratification of the Economic Participation Agreement (EPA).
Mr. McAllister said the EU sees Fiji’s efforts to safeguard multilateralism and upholding the rules-based international order and “we are strong partners in addressing the challenges of climate change.”
He said the EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Global Gateways will increase the EU’s support to Fiji in areas of connectivity and security, defence agendas, in connection with the climate and security nexus, maritime affairs and humanitarian assistance.
Additionally, Mr. McAllister praised Fiji for our remarkable contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Missions while highlighting that the Pacific is the only continent in the entire world where all countries showed their consolidated support to Ukraine.
The EU delegations visit to Fiji this week is timely in consideration of the “Council of the EU” consisting of 27 member states providing authorization of the signature for the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)-EU partnership agreement, to be signed in the region, this year.
The delegation members was pleased with the warm hospitality accorded to them during their first visit to our island nation.
