The Minister for Policing, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua recently met with the French Ambassador to Fiji, Her Excellency, Ms. Julie Le Saos. The two discussed a range of issues, with a particular focus on law enforcement collaboration and combating transnational crime.
Key outcomes from their discussion included; a joint commitment on drugs issues with both parties acknowledging the global nature of drug-related challenges and have both reaffirmed their commitment to addressing this problem. France has pledged its support to assist Fiji in combating drug trafficking and associated crimes. Fiji will be working closely with France in its efforts to fight against narcotics through enhanced operational and technical cooperation. Additionally, the national International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be held at the Suva Civic Centre and other centres around Fiji on June 30th, 2025.
France remains actively engaged in the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) initiative and Ambassador Le Saos also reassured Minister Naivalurua that France stands ready to deliver specialised training for Fiji Police officers, tailored to areas identified as priority by the Fiji Police Force.
Other matters discussed during the meeting focused on the Counter Narcotics Bureau, enhancing Fiji’s maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities which are currently limited, and upgrading the Fiji Police Force’s drugs surveillance equipment to support drug enforcement operations.
The meeting between Minister Naivalurua and Ambassador Le Saos underscores the deepening partnership between Fiji and France in advancing regional security and law enforcement effectiveness.