Fiji, UAE Look To Strengthen Bilateral Relationship
04/09/2026
Travel Advisory – Indonesia
07/09/2026Published On: 07/09/2026
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Her Excellency Dr Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, has concluded an official visit to Fiji, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Minister Al Kaabi was accompanied by a UAE delegation comprising the Non-Resident Ambassador of the UAE to Fiji, H.E. Rashed Al Qemzi; Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, Mr. Omar Shehadeh; Director of Her Excellency’s Office, Mrs. Lubna Gergawi; Head of the Pacific Section, Ms. Mariam Al Ali; and the desk officer for the Pacific Region, Mr. Kamel Al Ghifri.
Dr. Al Kaabi paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at the State House. Discussions highlighted education as an important area for further cooperation, while cultural and people-to-people exchanges were recognised as valuable avenues for strengthening mutual understanding between Fiji and the UAE. Climate change was also identified as a key shared priority, with Fiji continuing to advocate for stronger international cooperation to build resilience and support sustainable development.
The Minister of State held discussions with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development and Public Enterprises, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica. The discussions focused on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation and economic development, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for both countries.
Dr. Al Kaabi also met with the Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, to explore opportunities to broaden cooperation in education beyond infrastructure. Discussions covered scholarships, teacher professional development, student and teacher exchanges, artificial intelligence and technology in education, and inclusive and special education.
The Minister of State also toured the Fiji Museum where the delegation was accorded a guided tour of the museum and later met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka. Following this, she also met with the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Antonio Lalabalavu, to discuss opportunities for further cooperation in the health sector and medical sector, including training and capacity building.
The visit comes as Fiji and the UAE continue to strengthen their diplomatic relationship, with the UAE expected to open an Embassy in Fiji in March 2027.
