Fiji’s High commission to the United Kingdom celebrates presentation of credentials with Vin D’Honneur
11/12/2024
Fiji’s Roving Ambassador presents credentials to the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
12/12/2024Published On: 11/12/2024
In a momentous occasion, Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr. Jovilisi Vulailai Suveinakama, presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
During the audience, His Majesty expressed deep regret at being unable to visit Fiji during his recent Pacific tour, which included the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa this October. King Charles III conveyed his affection for Fiji, stating, “I am heartily saddened not to have come to Fiji but it was doctors’ advice. I was pleased to meet the Prime Minister at CHOGM in Samoa. I am still keen to get to Fiji. Please send my regards to His Excellency the President. Fiji is very much in my heart.”
The cordial and substantive exchange between His Majesty and High Commissioner Suveinakama covered a range of critical topics. His Majesty elaborated on his climate insurance initiative benefiting Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to supporting Pacific nations in addressing climate-related challenges. His Majesty also expressed keen interest in strengthening Fiji’s sugar and mahogany industries, highlighting potential avenues for enhanced economic cooperation.
His Majesty King Charles III further expressed his deep gratitude for the more than 2,000 Fijian soldiers currently serving in the British Armed Forces, acknowledging their significant contribution and dedication to the United Kingdom’s defense capabilities.
High Commissioner Suveinakama expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to present his credentials, formally inaugurating his tenure in the United Kingdom.
He acknowledged the robust and multifaceted relationship between Fiji and the UK, emphasizing ongoing collaborations in crucial areas such as climate change, ocean conservation, sustainable development, trade, defence, and education. These engagements underscore the depth and breadth of the Fiji-UK bilateral relationship, which continues to evolve and strengthen.
While High Commissioner Suveinakama assumed his role in April of this year, this presentation of credentials marks the official recognition of his diplomatic status by the Court of St. James’s. This ceremony is a crucial step in formalizing diplomatic relations and paves the way for enhanced cooperation between Fiji and the United Kingdom.
The Fiji High Commission in London extends its diplomatic representation beyond the United Kingdom, with accreditation to the Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Holy See. This expanded diplomatic footprint reflects Fiji’s commitment to fostering international relations across diverse regions.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by his partner, Ms. Nancy Evans, for this significant occasion recently held on Thursday, 5 December, 2024.
