Ministry hosts networking event for the Diplomatic Corps

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) hosted a networking reception for the diplomatic corps – as an expression of appreciation for their partnership, friendship and steadfast engagement with Fiji over the years. The event held in Suva yesterday was also an opportunity to briefly reflect on 2025 as a year of active, purposeful diplomacy for Fiji.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr Raijeli Taga on behalf of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka thanked all the diplomatic corps and development partners for their continued collaboration and support for Fiji.

She described this year as a one where Fiji has re-engaged the world with confidence, clarity, and consistency — guided by our Foreign Policy White Paper, grounded in Pacific values, and inspired by our belief in dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Dr Taga highlighted the key outcomes of the high-level diplomatic engagements led by the Prime Minister Rabuka and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, this year which has enabled Fiji to strengthen the multilateral and bilateral ties across political, cultural, and economic dimensions and advance Fiji’s foreign policy objectives. The opening of Fiji’s Diplomatic Mission in Jerusalem and with work in progress to reopen Mission in Brussels will broaden Fiji’s diplomatic footprint, globally.
Further, Dr Taga shared an overview on Fiji’s regional engagements undertaken through the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands, and Fiji’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group following the Leaders’ Summit and also Fiji’s advocacy on climate change at the global forums.

She also highlighted the milestone achievement on the endorsement of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration by the leaders, affirming Pacific as a zone of peace with shared prosperity for present and future generations.
Dr Taga reaffirmed that with inclusion of External Trade into the Ministry, Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions abroad are now strategically positioned as active platforms for increased trade, tourism and investment facilitations, market access, and economic partnerships.

In conclusion, Dr Taga expressed Fiji Government’s sincere appreciation to the diplomatic corps for their incredible contributions to these achievements and hoped that the cooperation will continue to deepen in the new year. She also wished them and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.