Ministry Pays Tribute to the Late Dr Tupeni Baba
20/07/2024First Ever Graduation of Female Deckhand Fishing Programme
26/07/2024Published On: 25/07/2024
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua received a courtesy call from Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji and Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Her Excellency Mary Seet-Cheng, as she undertakes her week-long visit to Fiji, this week.
The discussions held at the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted prospects to deepen cooperation in building climate resilience, trade and economy, digitalisation, education and leadership, smart urbanisation, connectivity, among key initiatives supported under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP).
In her remarks, Hon. Qereqeretabua welcomed High Commissioner Seet-Cheng and also acknowledged Singapore’s support to Fiji and their commitment to elevate cooperation with emphasis on Fiji’s priorities in socio-economic sustainability and climate resilience.
The Assistant Minister spoke on Fiji’s status as the hub of the region and vision led by the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka on the “Oceans of Peace Concept.” Prime Minister Rabuka will present the Concept to the Forum leaders at the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) to be held next month in Tonga.
With renewed cooperation, Singapore aims to expand support to Fiji via SCP, new training programs to Fiji via the Singapore’s Diplomatic Training Academy and study visits to Singapore to share some of the best practices on technology and innovation and key areas of interest to Fiji.
In her remarks, High Commissioner Seet-Cheng said Singapore stands ready to support Fiji and they look forward to welcoming Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka to Singapore for an official visit.
High Commissioner Seet-Cheng commended Prime Minister Rabuka’s leadership and his commitment on the Ocean of Peace Concept which resonates well with Fiji’s strategic role as hub of the region.
She remarked that Singapore aims to realign Singapore’s Cooperation Programme (SCP) package tailored to the priorities of the development partners like Fiji.
Since its inception in 1992, nearly 1500 Fijian officials have benefited from a wide range of professional training and capacity building programmes offered to Fiji and the Pacific region. This year alone, 38 Fijians comprising of civil servants have been trained in Singapore, and now with the elevated cooperation, more Fijians will be able to benefit through such training opportunities in Singapore.
#peoplescoalition #FijiNews #GovernmentNews #FijiGovernment