Hon. Ditoka Explores Strategic Fuel Reserves with Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 10 August 2026 | The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, today held discussions with Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Honourable YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, focusing on strengthening Fiji–Malaysia economic relations and, in particular, long-term cooperation on fuel security and energy resilience.

Minister Ditoka highlighted Fiji’s vulnerability as a small island developing state heavily dependent on imported fuel and the need to strengthen national resilience against future global supply disruptions.

The discussions explored the potential for cooperation with Malaysia on strategic fuel reserves, emergency supply assurances, resilient supply chains and long-term energy infrastructure, including the possibility of pre-positioned offshore storage and strengthened maritime supply arrangements.

Minister Johari shared Malaysia’s ongoing work on strategic fuel security and stockpiling arrangements with international partners, opening an opportunity for Fiji to explore how Malaysia’s experience and capabilities could support Fiji’s longer-term energy security.

“Energy security is a critical component of national security for small island developing states,” stated Hon. Minister Ditoka. “Malaysia’s advanced refining capabilities and world-class energy infrastructure make it a natural strategic partner. Exploring a formal and structured arrangement on fuel security and off-shore stockpiling reflects our Coalition Government’s proactive commitment to protecting Fijian families and local businesses from international price shocks.”

The Ministers also discussed opportunities to expand trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation, including greater Malaysian investment in Fiji and improved market access for Fijian products.

Minister Ditoka further welcomed Malaysia’s continued partnership with Fiji and noted that the reopening of Fiji’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur provides an important platform to take the bilateral relationship to a new level, with a stronger focus on economic partnership, energy security and practical outcomes for both countries.