Fiji and Korea relations and development cooperation continue to strengthen, with Korea’s support for the implementation of 13 support projects in 2025, with a total cost of approximately more than 72 million US dollars.
These major projects include renewable energy, medical care, and capacity building in a wide range of fields, including health, education, agriculture, climate change and disaster risk resilience, and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of communities in Fiji.
This was highlighted during a meeting convened between the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Fiji, H.E. Mr. Kim Jin Hyung.
PS Taga thanked the government and the people of the Republic of Korea for their continued cooperation with Fiji through major development projects implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Further, PS Taga reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to continue working closely with the Korean Embassy in Fiji to elevate the cooperation ahead.
Ambassador Kim congratulated PS Taga on her recent appointment and expressed optimism that the bilateral relations and collaboration between the two nations will continue to advance to new levels.
He said that Korea actively supports the “Ocean of Peace” concept led by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka.
Additionally, Ambassador Kim provided an update on the status of major projects as follows:
·The Ovalau Island agricultural coexistence solar power generation project and the Makogai Aquaculture Research Centre reconstruction project are progressing well.
·A project to build a National Rehabilitation Centre in Tamavua is in progress, and a total project cost of US$10 million is expected to be provided.
·A project to strengthen the Educational Capacity Building Project for the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Science of Fiji National University is also underway, with a total project cost of US$9.77 million.
In February this year, the Taveuni renewable energy capacity building project was successfully completed and successfully handed over to village residents by Prime Minister Rabuka.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Kim said that Korea will strive to ensure that the projects that they have promised are carried out successfully. He said that next year marks the milestone achievement of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and Korea aims to celebrate our longstanding relationship by planning a special friendship event.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971, Korea and Fiji have pursued common values of freedom, democracy, peace, and the rule of law for 54 years.