PM Rabuka thanks Fiji mission staff in Washington for their dedication and service
04/02/2025
Fiji reaffirms strong bilateral relations with the U.S.
06/02/2025Published On: 05/02/2025
The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Team welcomed the new Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga, at the Ministry headquarters in Suva, yesterday.
On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua congratulated and formally welcomed Dr. Taga. The Assistant Minister expressed confidence that in her new leadership role, Dr. Taga will advance Fiji’s diplomatic relations to newer heights.
In her remarks, Dr. Taga acknowledged the Ministry staff for their hardwork and loyalty. Dr. Taga reaffirmed her commitment to work collaboratively with the Ministry staff, Fiji’s development partners and external stakeholders to further solidify Fiji’s diplomatic relations and deepen the bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at maximizing return on investments for Fiji.
She assured the team of her unwavering commitment to carry out her role to the best of her abilities in promoting Fiji’s development interests at the global and regional stages.
Further, Dr. Taga described her new role as a divine calling from the Almighty and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support given to her as she looks forward to the opportunity to further contribute towards Fiji’s national development and prosperity.
Dr. Taga brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served at numerous leadership roles with more than 30 years of distinguished career into public service. She has served as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, Dr. Taga became the first female Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Fiji (OPM). During her career progression, Dr. Taga achieved significant accomplishments, including Amendment of the Employment Relations (Amendment) Act 2018 removal of Section 88, upon which women were able to work underground in mines in Fiji.
Dr. Taga’s outstanding contributions have earned her several accolades including the Manager in the Public Sector (2018) – Women in Business Aware and International Alumnus of the Year Award (2023) from the University of Queensland.
Fiji’s Ambassador to Jakarta, Indonesia, Mr. Amenatave Yauvoli and Fiji’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Mr. Jackson Bernard Evans, and Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific Island Countries and Territories and Agencies of the Council of Regional Organisations, Mr. William Toganivalu, also attended the welcoming ceremony.
