Fiji-New Zealand Affirm to Strengthen Relations in Key Priorities
23/02/2026
Fiji Advances Development Cooperation with Wallis and Futuna
24/02/2026Published On: 24/02/2026
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua received a courtesy call from a high-level delegation from the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna co-led by the Prefect of the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna, Mr. Jean Francois de Manheulle and the President of the Assembly, His Excellency Munipoese Muli’aka’aka.
Hon. Qereqeretabua warmly welcomed the delegation at the Ministry yesterday, noting that the visit symbolised a milestone step in strengthening cooperation and relations between Fiji and the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna. The visit is timely as it aims to establish a Joint Working Group (JWC) to expediate the implementation of the Declaration of Intent (DOI).
The delegation’s visit is reciprocal following Hon. Qereqeretabua’s official visit to Wallis and Futuna on 13 November 2025 for the signing of the DOI on development cooperation.
Hon. Qereqeretabua conveyed Fiji’s commitment to deepening relations centered on advancing the shared development priorities in building economic resilience and a sustainable future.
The Assistant Minister acknowledged the importance of the courtesy call and the discussions that recognizes the need for strategic cooperation focused on advancing common values, shared prosperity and stability.
Discussions centered on the DOI covering 15 pillars of bilateral cooperation including health, education and human resource development, trade and investment, agriculture, air and sea transportation, climate change and environment, art and culture, land development and mineral resources and tourism – providing a robust framework for targeted cooperation intended to build a resilient economies and communities.
His Excellency Muli’aka’aka reaffirmed the dedication to having meaningful cooperation with Fiji and the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna, stating that we are now better positioned to engage on issues that matter to the welfare and wellbeing of our people.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Government and the people of Fiji for the warm hospitality, friendship and collaboration anchored in values of mutual respect and understanding.
The visit underscores the collective goals of both parties to fostering closer partnerships and working collaboratively to promote regional stability, economic prosperity and solidarity within the Pacific family and beyond.
