Prime Minister Rabuka delivers Ministerial statement on his recent official engagement overseas

Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka this morning outlined in Parliament a series of significant outcomes from his recent official visits and international engagements.

The engagements were;

• Official visit to the Republic of India from 27 to 29 August 2025;
• 54th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in the Solomon Islands from 8 to 12 September 2025;
• Establishment of Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem, State of Israel on 17th September, 2025; and
• The 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High Level week in New York from 22 to 26 September 2025.

These international engagements and visits reflect Fiji’s growing global partnerships and commitment to uplifting the lives of all Fijians.

While delivering his ministerial statement, the Prime Minister shared that since assuming office in 2022, his primary goal has been to reinforce our relationships with all our bilateral partners to restore Fiji’s position on the global stage as friends to all and enemy to none.

“The core principles of sovereignty, security and prosperity has been the foundation of our foreign policy, which is embedded in our inaugural Foreign Policy White Paper,” said Hon. Rabuka.

Key outcomes from the Prime Minister’s official visit to India include:

• Affordable Healthcare for Fijians: Fiji and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras (People’s Pharmacies) in Fiji. These outlets will provide low-cost, high-quality generic medicines, ensuring better access to healthcare for ordinary Fijians.
• Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Sector: The Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia MOU, signed earlier this year, will enhance collaboration in pharmaceuticals and ensure the availability of safe and affordable medical products.
• Clean Water for Communities: An MOU was signed for the Tubalevu Village Ground Water Project, which will bring clean drinking water to local communities.
• New 100-Bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital: Fiji and India agreed to advance construction of a state-of-the-art hospital that will deliver world-class cardiology and specialty medical services for Fijians and the Pacific region.
• Indian High Commission Chancery and Cultural Centre: Land has been allocated for the construction of a new chancery and cultural centre in Suva, further deepening Fiji–India ties as the two nations mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.

At the Pacific Islands Forum in Solomon Islands, Fiji’s leadership was central in driving regional cooperation, including:

• Signing the Ocean of Peace Declaration, a Fijian-led initiative affirming the Pacific as the ocean of peace, stability, and unity.
• Joining regional leaders in signing the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, establishing a Pacific-owned fund to support climate and disaster resilience across island communities.
• Advancing bilateral cooperation with Pacific neighbors, including agreements with the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, reinforcing Fiji’s role as a trusted regional partner.

Further, the Prime Minister informed Parliament that Fiji also strengthened relations with key global partners through the inauguration of its first Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel, becoming the 7th country worldwide to establish a resident embassy there, and the 100th diplomatic Mission to be established in Israel.

For this, he highlighted that the move reflects Fiji’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Israel in climate resilience, agriculture, security, and technology.

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Fiji reaffirmed its climate and ocean leadership, advocating for the Ocean of Peace Declaration and celebrating the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, which Fiji ratified earlier this year.

Prime Minister Rabuka said these outcomes are directly aligned with Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper and national development priorities:

• Advancing Fiji’s Ocean of Peace vision;
• Promoting sustainable development and economic growth;
• Securing climate finance and technology transfers; and
• Strengthening partnerships that amplify the Pacific voice globally.

“These strategic engagements will eventually translate into socio-economic developments and stimulating of our economy, directly benefiting and uplifting the lives of all Fijians.

“The trips demonstrate Fiji’s commitment to proactive diplomacy, regional solidarity, and global climate leadership. We will continue to pursue partnerships and initiatives that uphold our sovereignty, protect our environment, and promote the wellbeing of all Fijians,” Prime Minister Rabuka concluded.

Click on the link www.pmoffice.gov.fj to read the Prime Minister’s statement.
Click on this link to access the HPM’s video: https://bit.ly/4nF176T