Fiji and Austria Convene First-Ever Political Consultations to Strengthen Cooperation

Fiji and Austria have officially convened their inaugural political consultations, marking a historic milestone in diplomatic relations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking new opportunities in trade, investment, climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.

This landmark engagement coincides with Fiji’s strategic preparations to reopen its Embassy in Brussels. The Brussels mission will serve as a vital diplomatic gateway to enhance relations with Austria, the European Union (EU), and other European partners, while simultaneously expanding Fiji’s global footprint to advance its economic and developmental interests.

The high-level consultation was co-chaired by Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara, and Austria’s Vice-Minister for European and International Affairs (Political Affairs), Ambassador Dr. Hannah Liko. The event organized in close collaboration with Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the Austrian Embassy in Canberra, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) headquarters in Suva on Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Ambassador Mara welcomed the establishment of this annual dialogue, noting that the platform reinforces the existing partnership while paving the way for new avenues of collaboration while emphasizing the importance that all joint initiatives must align with Fiji’s national development priorities and regional aspirations.

Vice-Minister Liko expressed Austria’s strong commitment to deepening its engagement with Fiji and the wider Pacific region, underscoring Austria’s readiness to support Fiji’s strategic development goals.

During the visit, Vice-Minister Liko and her delegation also met with Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka.

The consultations concluded with both nations agreeing to develop comprehensive joint action plans in the coming months to translate these diplomatic discussions into tangible, meaningful outcomes.

This milestone underscores Fiji’s proactive commitment to expanding its diplomatic reach, fostering international partnerships that benefit its people, and promoting global dialogue, peace, and stability during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.