Hon. Ditoka Welcomes UK’s FCDO Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equalities. Ms Seema Malhotra

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, received a courtesy call from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equalities, Ms Seema Malhotra, for a courtesy call at the Parliament Government Chambers in Suva on Monday, 27 April 2026.

Hon. Ditoka formally welcomed Minister Malhotra and her delegation to Fiji, and conveyed his sincere appreciation for the congratulatory letter received in February, regarding his appointment as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, which was transmitted through the British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Kanbar Hossein-Bor.

Hon. Ditoka reflected on his recent visit to the United Kingdom in March, where he attended the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting and engaged with key government counterparts. He noted that discussions during the visit were closely aligned with Fiji’s national development priorities, while also fostering mutually beneficial outcomes that strengthened cooperation between the two countries.

Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the United Kingdom as a key trading partner for Fiji, highlighting the steady growth in bilateral trade. He noted that exports of major Fijian products, including sugar, textiles, cassava, and seafood, continue to access the UK market, creating valuable opportunities for trade expansion and investment collaboration.

Additionally, Hon. Ditoka in recognizing the critical role of the growing Fijian Diaspora in the UK, highlighted initiatives that aspire to enhance and synergise the contribution of the diaspora to Fiji’s development needs.

Hon. Ditoka expressed Fiji’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s consistent support in addressing Pacific regional priorities. He acknowledged the UK’s commitment to addressing key challenges such as climate change adaptation, strengthening cyber security, and promoting sustainable economic development across the region.

In her remarks, Minister Malhotra expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation. She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s enduring partnership with Fiji and emphasized the UK’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both Ministers expressing confidence in the continued strengthening of Fiji – United Kingdom relations and reaffirming their shared commitment in advancing mutual interests for the benefit of both nations.