Fiji and Romania are committed to advancing the longstanding relations in shared interests and priorities.
This was expressed by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan while receiving a courtesy call from the non-resident Ambassador of Romania to Fiji, Mr Radu Gabriel Safta this morning (14/09/22).
PS Karan congratulated Ambassador Safta and wished him well as he assumes his new role.
He acknowledged the development assistance provided to Fiji from Romania, through the European Union (EU), and also ongoing cooperation with the EU, in the areas of climate change, trade, agriculture, and sustainable development.
He also thanked Romania’s contribution to the COVAX facility through the EU, in assisting countries like Fiji to access vaccines which has contributed significantly to our economic recovery efforts.
He further acknowledged Romania’s involvement in UN peacekeeping operations and their shared commitment to the preservation of global stability. For this, he reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further enhance cooperation with Romania.
On the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, PS Karan expressed Fiji’s appreciation for Romania’s preparedness to receive Ukrainian refugees and its commitment to the provision of support for those fleeing Ukraine.
At the multilateral level, Fiji and Romania share mutual interests within numerous areas such as blue economy and human rights.
Discussions at the meeting also touched on socio-economic recovery efforts with the focus on investments and business opportunities in tourism, trade and investment, and agriculture sectors.
Fiji looks forward to Romania’s continued support in capitalizing on available opportunities.
In his response, Mr Safta acknowledged the warm hospitality accorded to him upon his arrival into the country, adding Romania values its relations with Fiji and seeks to explore avenues for increased engagements in areas such as agriculture, health, education, fisheries and blue economy.
He mentioned that Romania will host a High-level event along the margins of next week’s 77th Session United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York and hopes to engage closely with Pacific Leaders on regional issues.
