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The Government of Fiji and Administrators of Wallis and Futuna are pleased to announce the historic signing of a Declaration of Intent (DOI) on Development Cooperation – signifying a landmark achievement in strengthening the diplomatic relations and regional solidarity.
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Fiji Parliament, Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua officially signed the DOI earlier this week at the Territorial Assembly House of Wallis and Futuna. The signing ceremony was attended by Customary leaders from Uvea, Alo and Sigave, the President of the Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna, Hon. Munipoese Muli’aka’aka, and the Secretary General of the Territory of Wallis and Futuna, Hon. Thierry Dousset.
The DOI outlines a framework for cooperation in key sectors, 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.
A Joint Working Group will be established to implement the DOI, comprising representatives from the Territorial Administration of Wallis and Futuna Islands and the Government of Fiji. The DOI is a result of over three years of dedicated efforts and negotiations between the two countries, demonstrating the commitment of both governments to deepen their bilateral relations and mutual development cooperation.
Addressing the Assembly, Hon. Qereqeretabua congratulated the leadership and people of Wallis and Futuna for their commitment to realising important development initiatives that not only strengthen bilateral relationships but contribute to our collective effort toward a connected and resilient region that we all call home.
Hon. Qereqeretabua, expressed her gratitude for the timely cooperation, stating, “This is not just ink on paper, it is a blueprint for transformation. Today, we move from discussion to action.”
She further highlighted that “This agreement is a promise of collaboration, shared progress, and mutual benefit. Let this be the start of a new chapter of cooperation between our two countries, governments and our people. Let our shared values and conviction continue to lead the way for deeper, meaningful and sustainable relationship.”
Representing Wallis and Futuna, Munipoese Muli’aka’aka added, “This DOI marks a new chapter in our development cooperation. We are confident that it will open new doors of opportunity for growth, community-based resilience-building, and sustainable collaboration.”
Hon. Qereqeretabua recognised and acknowledged the French Republic for its consistent support and excellent facilitation leading to the signing of the DOI in the presence of the whole assembly of chiefly domains representing Wallis and Futuna Islands and its people.
The DOI will be in effect for a period of five years and is expected to enhance mutual development cooperation, promote economic growth, and strengthen people-to-people ties between Fiji and Wallis and Futuna.
