The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Rogoibulu Gavoka receives courtesy call from ROK Ambassador
The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Fiji, H.E. Park Young-kyu today paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka and the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Alitia Bainivalu.
Honourable Gavoka shared the Government of Fiji’s commitment to growing the over 50-year friendship and cooperation Fiji shares with Korea.
H.E. Park congratulated the Minister and Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation on their appointments.
“On behalf of my Government and people, congratulations on assuming such an important role with Tourism and Civil Aviation. We also want to congratulate you on the peaceful, democratic transition of Government, which is something to be proud of,” said H.E. Park.
H.E. Park added that Korea remains committed to increasing relations and cooperation with the Pacific – including Fiji through our partnership of the Republic of Korea-Pacific Island Forum Cooperation. He further shared Korea’s plans to host the first Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in 2023. During the first half of year, Korea also intends to have a private sector business delegation to Fiji to promote not only Government-to-Government but Business-to-Business relations.
The Minister and Ambassador further discussed the possibility of resuming direct flights between Fiji and Korea – given the changing Korean market demographics who seek unique destinations that serve the family and honeymoon market.
“The Northern Pacific – including Korea – is an important partner of Fiji. And our long-term objective is to diversify markets and look at more destinations in addition to traditional ones. This is a beginning for us — but we are long-time friends with lots of opportunities to look forward to,” added Honourable Gavoka.
The Korean Embassy also took the opportunity to brief the Honourable Ministers and Permanent Secretary for Tourism on Korea’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in Busan.