Fiji reaffirms relations with the European Union [EU] at the UNGA80

Fiji aims to strengthen engagements with the European Union (EU) Member States and institutions in Brussels, to create investment and trade opportunities for Fiji and the broader Pacific region.

This message was conveyed today at the High-Level EU and Pacific Leaders Meeting convened at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly 80th session (UNGA80) at the European Union (EU) Mission in New York.

While representing Fiji at this meeting, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga acknowledged EU for its continued partnership and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further deepen cooperation in socioeconomic development.

Dr Taga noted that the recent EU-Pacific Business Forum in Fiji was a landmark event with nearly €300 million in new investments, scaling up trade, value chains, green economies, digital connectivity and budget support pledged -translating our shared priorities into tangible outcomes.

She said for Fiji, the Samoa Agreement is more than a treaty, as it is the architecture through which our regional priorities are voiced with the EU.
The Pacific Protocol, she said is not only to frame cooperation, but to ensure implementation support is scaled up, well-resourced with adequate financing and capacity.

Dr Taga joined the Pacific leaders in expressing the region’s appreciation to the EU Commission and Council, for their commitment to increase assistance in infrastructure, climate change adaptation measures, renewable energy sector.
In conclusion, she emphasized that Pacific plays a constructive role as a voice of peace, a convener of dialogue, a symbol of regional stability.

The EU invited Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) to its 4th Brussels meeting, acknowledging challenges such as climate change and ocean governance while commending recent Pacific achievements, including the Ocean of Peace Declaration and the Pacific Resilience Facility. The meeting reinforced resilient cooperation, stronger institutions, and a partnership of equals.