Fiji and Singapore Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties: Pledges More Cooperation Across Key Sectors

In a historic meeting held this morning, Fiji’s Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and Singapore’s Prime Minister Honourable Lawrence Wong reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting which was convened at the Parliament House of Singapore, provided an opportunity for both leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on shared priorities, explore new avenues for collaboration, and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

In his remarks, PM Rabuka expressed his gratitude to the Government and the people of Singapore for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation upon their arrival, highlighting that Singapore has been a reliable development partner and a genuine friend to Fiji over the years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1971.

Discussions also focused on prospects for more cooperation, especially in capacity building, governance, trade, and economic cooperation.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka shared Fiji’s plans to establish a diplomatic school under the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS), with potential collaboration from the Singapore Diplomatic Academy in developing customised curriculums focused on international relations and diplomatic tradecraft.

Whilst delving into the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), the head of the Coalition Government stated that Fiji’s involvement in the IPEF is a strategic move to expand its economic horizons, strengthen trade relationships, and build resilience in the face of global challenges like climate
change and supply chain disruptions.

For this, he is confident that Singapore and Fiji will solidify their relationships and
engage in crucial economic and trade matters in the Asia-Pacific region.

On regional priorities, both leaders reaffirmed their support for the realisation of the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific, with a more collective approach towards achieving a sustainable, resilient
and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent.

With Singapore being included as a dialogue partner to the Pacific Islands Forum, PM Rabuka shared his vision for an Ocean of Peace in the Pacific, a concept that underscores the importance of shared responsibility for peace and security in the region and will be the Pacific’s contribution to global peace and security.

In conclusion, the PM acknowledged Fiji and Singapore’s strong multilateral cooperation, including support for Singapore’s international candidatures, and affirmed Fiji’s commitment to a reformed, inclusive, and accountable multilateral system.

In response, PM Wong stated that Fiji and Singapore share a common belief in the importance of international law, multilateralism and free trade, with diverse and multicultural societies.

He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Fiji in areas like trade, investment and connectivity and infrastructure development.

Singapore has also agreed to expand its collaboration with Fiji in climate resilience and human capital development.
Through the two nations’ capacity building initiatives, PM Wong revealed that more than 1500 Fiji officials have participated in the Singapore Cooperation Program and other customised courses.

He said that Singapore will continue to offer capacity building programs in areas such as digital transformation, good governance, and other relevant sectors.

Prime Minister Wong concluded by noting that the strong bilateral relationship between Singapore and Fiji has laid a solid foundation for Singapore’s wider engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum and the broader region.
Both countries have also worked together in multilateral forums such as the UN, the Alliance of Small Island States, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the International Maritime Organisation, with Singapore also supporting Fiji’s interest in joining APEC and engaging meaningfully with ASEAN.