Fiji and Canada renew commitment for a stronger cooperation

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, was honored to receive a courtesy call from the newly appointed Non-Resident High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Keith Smith.

Hon. Qereqeretabua extended her congratulations to High Commissioner Smith and reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to further advance the cooperation with Canada in the areas including economy and trade, air connectivity, tourism, climate change adaptation and oceans, agriculture.

Further, the Assistant Minister underscored the importance of the Oceans of Peace Concept led by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, and key priorities of Fiji’s first Foreign Policy White Paper and the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, all of which supports Fiji’s commitment to building economic resilience, people empowerment and good governance.

Hon. Qereqeretabua thanked Canada for its continued support to Fiji and further conveyed Fiji’s readiness to engage in dialogue on issues of mutual interest and further firmed up targeted initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of communities in Fiji. The prospects of establishing a fully-fledged Canada High Commission in Fiji in the not-too-distant future is much welcomed news. Prospects for deepening of relations and opportunities across sectors can only develop and gain strength from there.

Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Ratu Ilisoni Vuidreketi, who is also accredited to Canada is expected to present his credentials to Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada in the coming months. This established presence, will further advance the enduring partnership between Fiji and Canada.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Smith reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Fiji-Canada relations, expressing optimism on the enormous opportunities ahead by working together to promote initiatives for the betterment of the two nations and its peoples.

High Commissioner Smith expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him during his visit to Fiji as he presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic representation.

The introductory meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva on Thursday 23/1/25, marked an important step to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral engagements between Fiji and Canada.

Canada aims to expand its economic and trade cooperation with Fiji and, in so doing, will send its Senior Trade Commissioner based in New Zealand to scope for opportunities. As an important development partner, Canada aspires to elevate engagements with Fiji and the broader Pacific region, particularly in promoting long-term prosperity, peace and security.