Fiji and Indonesia have affirmed greater levels of cooperation in addressing COVID-19, climate change and economic recovery.
This was conveyed at a virtual meeting held between Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan and Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Abdul Kadir Jailani.
The discussions focused on existing areas of cooperation while exploring potential opportunities in shared interests and priorities.
Mr. Karan said Fiji is grateful to all its development partners for standing in solidarity at this time of great need and he thanked Indonesia for the humanitarian assistance provided to Fiji in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of TC Harold.
With discussions in progress for Indonesia to further mobilise additional assistance for Fiji’s response to the second wave of COVID-19.
Mr. Karan expressed his appreciation for the concerted efforts of the two nations in swiftly coordinating repatriation flights earlier this year for Fijian nationals who were stranded in Indonesia and needed assistance to return to Fiji. Similarly Fiji’s efforts was also recognised in repatriation of Indonesians back to their homes.
Mr. Karan acknowledged the review of development cooperation in consideration of the changing dynamics of regional and international cooperation that will underpin strategic areas of development.
Further, he expressed Fiji’s interest to participate in the virtual Pacific Exposition scheduled in October of this year, a platform that promotes economic and trade opportunities between Asia and the Pacific.
In reaffirming Indonesia’s partnership with Fiji, Mr. Jailani thanked Mr. Karan for the timely discussions which will enhance the mutual interests of the two nations.