Fiji – Korea Relations Reaffirmed at The National Foundation Day of The Republic of Korea

The Republic of Fiji and the Republic of Korea continue to assert their enduring partnership and commitment to strengthening bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation as the two nations commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations.

This was highlighted during the Republic of Korea’s National Foundation Day reception, hosted by the Korean Embassy in Fiji, at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, joined the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Fiji, His Excellency Kwon Young-seup, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests to mark the occasion.

In her remarks, the Ministry’s Chief of Protocol, Ms Kiti Temo, congratulated and conveyed the best wishes of the Government and people of the Republic of Fiji to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of their National Foundation Day.

She acknowledged Korea’s longstanding friendship and significant contributions to Fiji’s national development, particularly in healthcare, education, infrastructure, renewable energy, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Ms. Temo recognised Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for its significant role in advancing impactful development initiatives that strengthen essential services, build national capacity and improve the lives of Fijians.

Highlighting the growing scale of development cooperation, Ambassador Kwon announced that nine development projects, valued at approximately US$70 million, are currently being advanced in Fiji

Among the key investments are four major healthcare initiatives: the National Rehabilitation Centre and Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Tamavua, the Medical Simulation Centre at Fiji National University, and the upgrade of Labasa Hospital in Vanua Levu.

Korea’s development partnership also extends through regional collaboration with the United Nations (UN) agencies, including IOM, UNICEF, WHO and UNDP, through building disaster evacuation centres, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes, upgrading healthcare infrastructure and improvements to local markets.

Ambassador Kwon also congratulated Fiji on the successful co-hosting of the Pacific Pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi, reaffirming Korea’s steadfast commitment to supporting Fiji and the wider Pacific in addressing climate change and advancing regional resilience.

He expressed Korea’s commitment to further deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, rooted in shared aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and sustainable future.

As Fiji and Korea celebrate this important diplomatic milestone, both nations look ahead to an even stronger partnership, built on mutual trust, enduring friendship and a shared commitment to sustainable development and the Blue Pacific.