Fiji will continue to pursue strong bilateral relations with Indonesia and strengthen their desire to promote and preserve its respective sovereignties in global geopolitics. This connection will boost partnerships and explore areas of mutual interests such as climate change and ocean, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and capacity-building and exchange programmes that promote such mutual aspirations.
This was articulated by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama during a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Her Excellency, Retno Marsudi, along the margins of the 17th session of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Bali, Indonesia yesterday (7/07/22).
At the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed our appreciation to Indonesia for its continued cooperation, and also reiterated our common desire to strengthen bilateral relations.
Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1974, Fiji and Indonesia have progressively developed various sectors, including our people-to-people exchanges, technical training, and human resource development, mainly in the sectors of defence and policing, firefighting, agriculture, disaster management, forestry, and fisheries.
Prime Minister Bainimarama added that such collaboration has paved the way for sustainable and resilient developments.
The Head of the Fijian Government also updated the Minister about Fiji’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, at the same time, acknowledged Indonesia’s continued assistance in the procurement of pharmaceutical supplies and medical equipment.
While delving into trade and investment opportunities, he remarked that there are potential trade opportunities in the export of niche products to Indonesia such as mineral water, pearls, precious stones and metals, beauty and health care products, virgin coconut oil, noni and noni juice, fashion clothing and tropical fruits and vegetables.
Fiji, the Prime Minister added, continues to strive towards the creation of a conductive and modern business environment and encourages investments in areas of green technology, renewable energy, light manufacturing, and new technology in the agriculture sector, fisheries, language schools, technical colleges, healthcare facilities, and low-cost affordable housing.
On the issue of climate change and oceans, Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that Fiji is ‘walking the talk’ and taking charge of sustainable and resilient measures.
For this, he added that Fiji is grateful to have friends like Indonesia who continue to work with us to advocate on issues that are critical to the development of the two countries.
Minister Marsudi, in her response, thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas about elevating our bilateral relations to newer heights.
She wished the Prime Minister well in his engagements at the G20 Summit and looked forward to more meaningful discussions in areas of mutual interests.
