PRE-COP 31 | Fiji and European Union Reaffirm Partnership Ahead of COP31

Fiji and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, the rules-based international order and climate action, as the Pacific builds momentum towards COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, and European Commission Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Mr Wopke Hoekstra, on the margins of the Pacific Pre-COP31 in Nadi.

Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the EU as a longstanding development partner of Fiji and the Pacific, and highlighted the Fiji–EU Partnership Dialogue as a key platform for advancing shared priorities.

“For Fiji and the wider Pacific, climate change is not a distant challenge. It is affecting our communities, economies and development aspirations today. Strong partnerships, including with the European Union, are therefore essential to advancing practical solutions and ensuring Pacific voices remain at the centre of global climate action,” Hon. Ditoka said.

Commissioner Hoekstra recognised the particular vulnerabilities of the Pacific and Fiji’s part in bringing those realities to the attention of the world. He noted the many issues on which the EU and Fiji are like-minded, emphasised that the defence of the rules-based international order rests with those who value it, with small states playing a vital role, and expressed appreciation for Fiji’s steadfast support for the United Nations Charter and international law.

Hon. Ditoka reiterated the Pacific’s position that climate action and ocean governance are closely linked and not separate realities. Commissioner Hoekstra commended Fiji’s leadership in advancing Pacific climate priorities and pointed to the close collaboration between the EU and Small Island Developing States on climate action.

Hon. Ditoka also noted Fiji’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Brussels, which Commissioner Hoekstra welcomed, offering the EU’s assistance. The meeting also touched on the Schengen visa arrangements for Fijian travellers and the regulatory treatment of kava, matters that will require continued engagement with EU Member States.