Fiji and Korea Sign Grant Aid Framework Agreement

The signing of the Framework Agreement for Grant Aid between Fiji and Korea represents the exemplary partnership of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The official signing of the Framework Agreement for Grant Aid took place on Tuesday between the Ambassador of Korea to Fiji, His Excellency, Mr Park Young-kyu and the Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan.

The Framework formalises the cooperation between Fiji and Korea for the establishment of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Pacific Office in Fiji and advancement of regional development cooperation through KOICA’s aid strategy for the Pacific Region. Through this elevated collaboration, (KOICA) will comprehensively support the regional efforts to recover and rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19.

While thanking the Government of Korea for this remarkable support, Mr. Karan said the relations between the two nations is characterised by our mutual understanding and respect for each other’s sovereignty and shared development and prosperity.

Mr. Karan conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to the Government of Korea for its unwavering support for Fiji’s response to contain COVID-19 and assistance in rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

He said the Framework Agreement is a testament of the Korean Government’s commitment to strengthen our relations at all levels of engagements and that Fiji is grateful for this timely collaboration to strategically develop the KOICA Pacific Office in Fiji.

In reaffirming the Fijian Government’s partnership with KOICA, Mr. Karan said the Agreement will strengthen KOICA’s administration of programs and resources; enable the swift coordination of Official Development Assistance (ODA) while maximising opportunities for enhanced engagements at regional and international levels.

Mr. Karan commended KOICA for its aspirations and enormous support rendered to Fiji over the years in socioeconomic programs and initiatives which empowers numerous individuals and communities in Fiji and throughout the region.

Korean Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency, Park Young-kyu said the signing of the Framework Agreement for Grant Aid is more meaningful as our two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Fiji and Korea have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 30th January 1971.

“The signing of this agreement will allow us to implement our development cooperation in a more stable and systematic manner. This year, the Korean Government has allocated approximately FJD $900,000 for providing PPEs such as masks, face shields as a joint effort to address the COIVD-19 pandemic in Fiji. In addition, another FJD $1million has been earmarked to procure ambulances for Fiji. On top of that, we will donate FJD $400,000 worth of classroom equipment such as desks, chairs, computers, projectors to improve the learning environment of schools in Fiji.”

“As multi-year and multi-million dollar development projects for Climate Change response, KOICA will launch two projects of constructing solar power plants in Ovalau and Taveuni this year,” Ambassador Park said.

Fiji has benefitted greatly from technical and developmental assistance provided by the Government of Korea through KOICA training programs, technical assistance, deployment of KOICA volunteers and project implementation.