Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently spoke in Parliament about the positive impacts of Fiji’s international engagements on healthcare, climate resilience, regional cooperation, and global diplomacy. His statements followed a series of important official visits, which included a trip to India, participation in the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the Solomon Islands, the inauguration of Fiji’s first embassy in Jerusalem, and attendance at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Since taking office in 2022, Rabuka has prioritized the strengthening of Fiji’s relationships with various global partners, aiming to enhance the nation’s standing on the international stage. He emphasized that Fiji’s foreign policy, outlined in the inaugural Foreign Policy White Paper, is built upon the principles of sovereignty, security, and prosperity.
During his recent visit to India, Rabuka announced several agreements intended to boost healthcare and infrastructure in Fiji. Key achievements included the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (People’s Pharmacies) to provide affordable generic medicines, the development of a new 100-bed cardiology hospital, and a groundwater project in Tubalevu Village to enhance access to clean drinking water. The discussions also led to the recognition of Indian pharmaceutical standards and land allocation for a new Indian chancery and cultural center in Suva.
At the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Rabuka highlighted Fiji’s significant role in fostering regional solidarity, primarily through initiatives like the Ocean of Peace Declaration. This declaration aims to promote the Pacific region as a zone of stability and unity. Additionally, the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty (PRF) designated a fund focused on climate and disaster resilience, complemented by new bilateral agreements with the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Rabuka marked the opening of Fiji’s first embassy in Jerusalem as a key milestone in the country’s diplomatic growth, noting that Fiji is now among the few nations globally to establish a resident embassy in Israel. This move reflects a commitment to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including climate resilience, agriculture, security, and technology.
During the UN General Assembly, Fiji reaffirmed its leadership on global climate issues by supporting the Ocean of Peace vision and celebrating the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, which aligns with national environmental priorities.
These strategic international initiatives are expected to lead to significant socio-economic advancements, directly benefiting the lives of Fijians. Rabuka emphasized a sustained commitment to proactive diplomacy, reinforcing regional solidarity, and advocating for global climate leadership. By fostering meaningful international collaborations, Fiji is paving a hopeful way forward towards a resilient and prosperous future for its citizens.