Fiji and Philippines Advance Partnership as the Nations Mark 53 Years of Relations

Fiji and the Philippines continue to make significant progress in their bilateral relations, founded on their 53 years of friendship and driven by mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to advancing cooperation for the benefit of their people and that of the region.

This growing partnership was highlighted during a courtesy meeting between the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara, and the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Fiji, His Excellency Noel M. Novicio, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva on Thursday 5^th November 2026.

The meeting follows a historic milestone in Fiji–Philippines relations, marked by the establishment of the Philippines’ first resident Embassy in Suva this year and the appointment of its first Resident Ambassador to Fiji.

Welcoming Ambassador Novicio, Ambassador Mara acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two nations and emphasised Fiji’s commitment to strengthening strategically focused cooperation in defence and security, trade, labour mobility, capacity building, disaster risk management and climate resilience.

He highlighted Fiji’s interest in drawing on Philippines’ experience and The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN’s) expertise in enhancing disaster preparedness, strengthening our Diaspora engagement in our development journey, supporting our health system and the promotion of bilateral and regional trade through ASEAN and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).

Both nations look forward to formalizing the recent Cabinet endorsed MOU on Policy Consultation, that will essentially be the framework for consultations between our foreign ministries every two years, providing a regular forum to guide our relationship and build on existing and potential areas of cooperation.

Bilaterally, discussion explored opportunities for exchange in the areas of Labour mobility, Diapsora engagement, Disaster Risk Management, Health and medical services as well as Trade cooperation.

The dialogue also highlighted the strengthening engagements on existing arrangements, including ASEAN and PIFS, ASEAN and South-South Cooperation as well as UNESCAP.

Ambassador Novicio in congratulating Ambassador Mara on his recent appointment, conveyed the Government of Philippines appreciation to Fiji for being the home to more than a thousand Filipinos.

The meeting underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and stronger partnerships between Fiji and the Philippines, particularly at a time when global challenges demand greater international cooperation. It also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment in upholding and adhering to the rules of multilateralism, especially in safeguarding the interests of developing states.

With an expanded diplomatic presence and a shared commitment to delivering tangible outcomes, both nations are well positioned to deepen their partnership, strengthen regional resilience and create lasting opportunities for their people.