The cooperation between Fiji and the European Union is envisaged to strengthen in socioeconomic development and advancement of Fiji’s national priorities.
This was conveyed through a meeting that coincided with the courtesy call made by the Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation for the Pacific, His Excellency Sujiro Seam to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security, Hon. Inia Seruiratu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva, today.
Minister Seruiratu congratulated Ambassador Seam for his new role and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to work closely with the European Union (EU) in enhancing cooperation for the effective implementation of trade priorities
and other development assistance.
Ambassador Seam said that EU recognises Fiji’s leadership at the global and regional level on climate change, human rights and sustainable development goals. He said that the meeting with Minister Seruiratu has enabled Fiji and EU to take stock of the progress, the challenges and map the way forward to strengthen Fiji-EU partnership.
“Off course we have common challenges and we are together in the fight against climate change, we are together in strengthening resilience, we are together in fighting poverty, we are together in upholding the values of democracy, human rights and freedom. We are together on multilateralism and how we can strengthen the international system so we have a very high convergence of interests with Fiji,” Ambassador Seam said.
He said the European Union will strengthen collaboration with Fiji and leverage greater support in addressing issues of climate, human rights and advance the development of business and trade opportunities.
The European Union formally engages Fiji in bilateral discussions on a set of mutually agreed issues. The outcomes of these discussions provide an indication as to the strength of the relationship. These discussions are
held annually in May and its titled as the, “Political Dialogue.”
The European Union is one of Fiji’s most important bilateral partners and has supported Fiji’s sustainable development needs for the past 45 years.