Hon. Ditoka Meets Singapore’s Non-Resident High Commissioner

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, yesterday received a courtesy call from Singapore’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Mary Seet-Cheng, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva.

The meeting reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Fiji and Singapore, which has continued to strengthen over five decades since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1971.

Hon. Ditoka acknowledged Singapore’s longstanding support to Fiji, particularly through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which has equipped Fijian public officials with valuable knowledge and skills in public administration, finance, education, aviation, economic resilience and sustainable development. He noted that these capacity-building initiatives have made a significant contribution to strengthening Fiji’s public service and institutional capability.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation by High Commissioner Seet-Cheng of a collection of publications showcasing Singapore’s history, multicultural society, governance model, economic transformation, foreign policy and nation-building journey. Minister Ditoka welcomed the contribution, noting that the collection would become an important resource for the Fiji Diplomatic Academy and the Ministry’s professional development programmes, providing future diplomats and public servants with valuable insights into Singapore’s remarkable development experience.

“Singapore’s development story offers important lessons for small island states like Fiji. These publications will serve as a valuable resource in strengthening the knowledge and capabilities of our diplomats and public servants, while further deepening the understanding between our two countries,” Minister Ditoka said.

High Commissioner Seet-Cheng recognised Fiji’s strategic importance within the Pacific, describing Fiji as a natural regional hub for connectivity, transport, logistics, fuel distribution and the host of several important regional and international organisations. Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in port development and management, recognising Singapore’s global expertise in maritime infrastructure and logistics.

The meeting also explored new opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building, including specialised training in the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, maritime governance and other emerging areas of international law. Both sides welcomed continued collaboration through the Pacific Islands Forum, where Singapore has become an increasingly valued partner supporting regional priorities and development.

The Minister also briefed the High Commissioner on Fiji’s preparations, alongside Tuvalu and Australia, to host the Pacific pre-COP meetings later this year, describing the event as a significant milestone for the Pacific’s collective engagement on climate change.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order, effective multilateralism and closer bilateral cooperation in advancing sustainable development, regional resilience and prosperity for Fiji, Singapore and the wider Pacific.