Fiji Welcomes the First Latvian Honorary Consulate

The official inauguration of the first Latvian Honorary Consulate in Fiji and the Pacific, headed by Ratu Savenaca Seniloli, marks an important step towards fostering deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Fiji and Latvia.

Latvia’s Special Envoy to the Pacific, Ambassador Samija Šerifa, officated the opening of the Latvian Honorary Consulate at the event held at the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Talanoa Lounge in Suva on Monday 16th March 2026.

Also in attendance were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Public Works and Meteorological Services, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests.

While speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr Raijeli Taga congratulated Ratu Seniloli on his new role and said Latvia’s presence in Fiji would foster stronger socio-economic cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Šerifa in her remarks said Latvia and Fiji are united not only by shared values and a firm belief in the rules-based international order, but also by their common interest in advancing international cooperation on climate change, gender equality, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and global peace and security.

She noted that Latvia has a vibrant economy growing faster than the European Union average and has built a knowledge-intensive economy that excels in developing innovative solutions in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), environmental sciences, and, more recently, the defence industry.

Ambassador Šerifa said there is great potential in fostering deeper connections with Fiji in digital technologies, clean energy, forest management and sustainable construction.

She congratulated Ratu Seniloli and emphasized her readiness to support him towards promoting greater knowledge of Latvia in the Pacific and developing people-to-people ties and connections between business communities as Latvia continues to deepen its outreach in the region.

In her presentation, Head of Latvia Investment and Development Agency’s Office, Ms. Sabīne Kazaka, provided an overview on the Latvian ICT, digitalization and eGovernment solutions, as well as shared sustainability practices in forestry and renewable energy.

Fiji and Latvia established diplomatic relations almost 20 years ago, with relations gaining renewed momentum in recent years through the opening of Latvia’s Embassy in Canberra in 2021 and the appointment of Latvia’s first Special Envoy to the Pacific in 2024.

Latvia is a Northern European country located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It has a growing economy, three ice-free ports, and one of the most connected air hubs in the region. It offers a stable business environment and serves as a gateway to Europe, providing access to a market of approximately 450 million people. Latvia is also a leader in digital connectivity and ranks first in mobile data usage among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.