Singapore’s unwavering support for Fiji and the Pacific region was acknowledged at a meeting between Singapore’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Fiji and Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum, Her Excellency, Mary Seet-Cheng and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headquarters in Suva yesterday (24/10/22).
Mr Karan extended the Fijian Government’s appreciation for Singapore’s partnership with Fiji through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which has benefited over 1000 Fijian officials in education and skills development courses in finance, public administration and economic development programmes, amongst others. Singapore is keen to further support Fiji in establishing a regional development cooperation programme for the Pacific.
Mr Karan took the opportunity to thank High Commissioner Mary Seet-Cheng for her recent assistance in organizing the “Singapore Protocol-Diplomacy Training” for Fijian senior officials, held in Fiji, in July this year.
Singapore’s support to Fiji in times of need, particularly in our national rebuilding efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic; cyclones relief efforts, post disaster recovery in 2020; was also acknowledged at the meeting.
The discussions also focused on cooperation in tackling climate change and partnership in the lead up to the COP27 in Egypt and beyond in line with the Paris Agreement. Prospects for economic cooperation in shared priorities, mainly trade, investment, tourism, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and digital connectivity were also outlined at the meeting.
Strengthened Institutional Partnerships between Government Agencies – in sharing best practices and systems is also an area of interest; so too are opportunities under the triangular cooperation, in addition Fiji can partner with Singapore on specific areas in the South-South Cooperation programs that can benefit Pacific Islands Countries.
On Regional Cooperation, Mr Karan provided an update on the implementation plan for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which presents an opportunity for development partners like Singapore to work more closely with the Pacific Family.
In response, High Commissioner Mary Seet-Cheng commended the Fijian Government for the swift actions to revive the Fijian economy, despite the enormous global challenges imposed by COVID-19.
She commended Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for his strong leadership at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum and the unprecedented commitment to reunite the region to advance Pacific’s prosperity. The High Commissioner said Singapore stands ready to provide further support to the 2050 Strategy and development efforts of the Fijian Government.
The High Commissioner will also visit other Pacific Island nations to see how best Singapore will be able to support the region, in the post pandemic era.
With over 49 years of diplomatic relations, Fiji and Singapore have continued to collaborate in initiatives promoting economic, social and sustainable development.