Hon. Ditoka receives Courtesy Call from the United Nations Resident Coordinator

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka welcomed the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Mr Dirk Wagener during a courtesy visit focused on strengthening cooperation between Fiji and the United Nations (UN).

The meeting reaffirmed Fiji’s long-standing commitment to the United Nations, a partnership that began with Fiji’s independence in 1970. Hon. Ditoka underscored Fiji’s unwavering support for the principles of the UN Charter and its continued advocacy for a rules-based international order. He also highlighted Fiji’s distinguished contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, noting that Fijian men and women continue to serve with distinction in conflict zones and peace missions around the world.

The Minister drew attention to the broad impact of UN programmes across Fiji and the Pacific, particularly in climate action, ocean governance, disaster resilience, women’s empowerment, public health, and democratic governance. He highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining the UN Multi-Country Office in Fiji, describing its presence as critical to regional coordination, policy connectivity, and effective support for Pacific Island countries.

Hon. Ditoka also emphasised Fiji’s determination to strengthen regional frameworks that protect the interests of the Pacific Island nations. He cited Fiji’s ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement Treaty (BBNJ) early this year, as a major step in safeguarding ocean resources and advancing international ocean governance. He further reaffirmed the Government’s support for the “Ocean of Peace” concept championed by the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as a defining vision for regional stability and stewardship.

Hon. Ditoka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working closely with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office through practical collaboration, mutual respect, and sustained engagement.

Mr. Wagener conveyed the United Nations’ strong commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific region. He also acknowledged Fiji’s constructive leadership within the multilateral system and recognised the country’s central role in advancing regional priorities and strengthening collective international engagements.