Fiji represented at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) meeting at the UNGA80

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) Meeting was hosted by the India’s External Affairs Minister Honourable Dr. S. Jaishankar at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly 80th session #UNGA80 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, this morning.

The Forum deliberated on the progress of the 12-point action plan announced by Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Shri Narendra Modi at the FIPIC-III Summit held in Papua New Guinea in 2023. The Summit focused on the development, health, technology, and capacity building.

Fiji was represented at the FIPIC Meeting by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga. Fiji leads in the Pacific in the number of collaborations and projects which is being funded by India.

Dr Taga in her deliberations at the meeting acknowledged India’s continued support and collaboration with Fiji which has continued to grow from strength to strength. Among the key initiatives undertaken with India includes the landmark 100-Bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva, the Pharmacopia Agreement, Prosthetic Fitting Facility and Training, Sea Ambulances and Cybersecurity development.

Further Dr Taga said that Fiji is pleased to join fellow Pacific leaders in this forum, which reflects the enduring partnership with India – a partner that shares with us not only history and people-to-people ties, but also common values of democracy, solidarity, and multilateralism.

Dr Taga expressed confidence that the FIPIC meeting will further deepen the ongoing cooperation, while reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to advancing this partnership in the spirit of solidarity and shared prosperity.

She welcomed India’s interest to further support Fiji and the region through initiatives in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and potential opportunities to be explored in digital technology cooperation with relation to economic development, expansion of solar projects and further capacity building for young professionals.

In his remarks, Honourable Dr. S. Jaishankar was pleased to note that the 12-point action plan announced at the FIPIC-III Summit is progressing well. He stated that, “India and Pacific Island countries are development partners. Our agenda is people-centric and focused on health, technology, capacity building and training.”

The FIPIC Meeting was an opportunity for the Pacific Island nations to reconnect with India in the shared commitment to advancing regional peace and prosperity.