Presentation of Credentials of the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa

Fiji’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Samoa, Mr. William Brown Toganivalu, presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a ceremony recently held at the official residence of the Head of State in Apia.

Samoa and Fiji established diplomatic relations in 1974, and have continued to maintain cordial relations rooted in their shared history, cultural heritage and mutual respect for one another.

The Non-Resident High Commissioner, Mr. Toganivalu in his remarks expressed Fiji’s support and well wishes towards Samoa’s preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that will be hosted by Samoa from the 21st to 25th of October.

The Head of State acknowledged the support they have been receiving from other Pacific nations and looks forward to welcoming and hosting Fiji and the rest of our Commonwealth Aiga in Apia.

The Head of State expressed his confidence in Mr. Toganivalu’s appointment as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa which will certainly continue to further strengthen our existing relations and foster cooperation on matters of mutual interests.

The Non-Resident High Commissioner, Mr. Toganivalu, also paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. In their exchange, Hon. Ponifasio acknowledged the expertise that Fiji has in the tourism and hospitality industry.

In recognizing the potential of a possible Samoa-Fiji collaboration in the tourism sector, Hon. Ponifasio also raised the important subject of labour mobility and the necessary arrangements that can be formalized between our governments and the immigration department.

As part of his scope of work, Mr. Toganivalu also met with members of the Fijian diaspora community working and living in Samoa. The ‘talanoa’ (Q & A) session heard issues raised by the diaspora that included passport issuance and renewal processes and remittance facilitation.

He also met with the community of Fijian businesses who have been operating in Samoa which includes Vodafone, Kooline, Oceania Gas and CJ Patel.

Overall, Mr. Toganivalu’s weeklong engagements in Samoa further reinforced our diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

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