Prime Minister Rabuka to attend the national presidential prayer breakfast in Washington
01/02/2025Published On: 03/02/2025
The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Team led by the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, bid farewell to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, in a ceremony held last week Friday (31/1/25) acknowledging his exemplary leadership and distinguished service to the nation.
In the recent reshuffle announced by the Public Service Commission, Dr Korovavala will assume the role of Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Immigration, while Dr Raijeli Taga will be the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The change is effective from 3rd February 2025.
On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua congratulated Dr Korovavala on his new appointment and acknowledged his commitment and exceptional contributions to the advancement of Fiji’s foreign services during his tenure of 1 year and 7 months at the Ministry.
In his remarks, Dr. Korovavala thanked Prime Minister Rabuka and the Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua for their sound leadership and support for the important work undertaken by the Ministry in advancing Fiji’s interests globally as mandated in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper.
Further, Dr Korovavala acknowledged international and regional development partners for their outstanding support and collaboration. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry staff and Fiji’s diplomatic missions abroad, for their commitment, hard work and dedication. He further extended his appreciation to the families of the staff for their sacrifices and continued support.
Dr. Korovavala encouraged the team to keep striving to the best of their abilities and is optimistic about the ongoing cooperation between the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Fiji (OPM), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and ministries across the government system and external stakeholders. Dr. Korovavala emphasized the vital role of Fiji’s Foreign Service in supporting Fiji’s national development goals on the global and regional stages.
In conclusion, Dr. Korovavala encouraged the Team to extend same support to his successor, Dr. Taga and expressed confidence that under her leadership the Ministry will scale to new heights.
The farewell ceremony held at the Fiji Museum in Suva, was also attended by Fiji’s Ambassador to Jakarta, Indonesia, H.E Amenatave Yauvoli and Fiji’s High Commissioner to PNG, H.E Jackson Bernard Evans, and the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Mr. Meli Nacuva.
