Fiji and New Zealand convene high level consultations on the Duavata partnership

The Governments of Fiji and New Zealand are today convening the Fiji–New Zealand High Level Consultations, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The Consultations will bring together senior officials from both Governments to review current areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The one-day Consultations are being convened at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) complex in Suva, and will be presided by Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, and New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bede Corry.

Dr Taga welcomed Mr Corry and his delegation from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and conveyed her gratitude to New Zealand for their support in undertaking this important dialogue. She acknowledged New Zealand’s contributions to Fiji’s development through the Duavata Partnership and highlighted that today’s Consultations demonstrates the strength of our enduring partnership, expressing confidence that the deliberations will yield meaningful outcomes.

Additionally, Dr Taga said that today’s Consultations complement Fiji’s Foreign Policy goals on realigning development cooperation to reflect the nation’s current and emerging challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our partnership remains responsive and strategic.

Dr Taga joined Mr Corry in expressing confidence that the outcomes of the Consultations today will forge stronger cooperation between the two nations.
In response, Mr Corry said that he was delighted to be in Suva to hear directly from senior Fiji Government officials on Fiji’s foreign policy, regional cooperation, and national development priorities. Mr Corry added that he is also looking forward to sharing the New Zealand Government’s perspectives on the pressing issues facing our two nations and our wider region.

Today’s Consultations serve as a vital platform to review existing areas of cooperation and identify avenues to refresh the Duavata Partnership for the benefit of our two nations and the greater Pacific family through the progressive advancement of shared goals on peace, security, resilience and prosperity.