Fiji’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presents his Credentials to the President of Sri Lanka

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji to Republic of India, His Excellency Jagnnath Sami presented his credentials as Fiji’s non-resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, to the President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The credentials ceremony recently held at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo, signified a milestone in strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.

It reaffirms the renewed commitment by both nations to deepen cooperation in economic development, trade and investment, cultural exchanges and people to people ties.

In presenting his credentials, High Commissioner Sami conveyed the kind greetings and best wishes of the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the Fijian people, for the continued prosperity and wellbeing of Sri Lanka and its people.

In welcoming the renewed collaboration, President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Dissanayake conveyed his warm greetings and well wishes to President Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Rabuka and the Fijian people, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthen diplomatic engagements and friendly ties with Fiji.

High Commissioner Sami said that he was honoured to assume the new diplomatic role, stating that the renewed cooperation presents new opportunities for mutual growth and development for the two nations. He said the Fiji High Commission in New Delhi will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and key stakeholders to elevate the development cooperation through continued dialogue and engagement.

Following the presentation of his credentials, High Commissioner Sami met with the Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment, Hon. Vijitha Herath. The meeting highlighted renewed commitment towards furthering the bilateral relationship in several areas of mutual interest including climate change, trade, economic, cultural and tourism sectors.

Fiji and Sri Lanka have shared cordial relations over the years and also historic trade relations which they would like to further strengthen. Both countries share common interests in tourism and sports, and it is expected that there will be more collaboration and exchanges between the two countries. Sri Lanka is also interested to provide skilled workers to assist in the various sectors of Fiji’s economy through a proposed Labour Mobility Agreement between the two countries.

High Commissioner Sami was accompanied to the credential’s ceremony with his spouse Mrs. Vijaiya Kanta Mani.