The President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, today commissioned Ratu Etueni Qiolele Caucau as Fiji’s new High Commissioner to Malaysia.
After the commissioning ceremony held at State House, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu congratulated High Commissioner Caucau and wished him well on his new role.
The appointment of His Excellency Ratu Etueni Caucau as Fiji's High Commissioner to Malaysia is a significant milestone in re-establishing Fiji’s Diplomatic Mission in Malaysia while elevating our bilateral relations and expanding our global presence and collaboration in the Asia region.
The reopening of Fiji’s diplomatic missions in Malaysia, the United States, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a decisive action taken by the Prime Minister as Foreign Minister and the People’s Coalition to broaden Fiji’s diplomatic presence globally through the deepening of bilateral and multilateral engagements.
The renewed focus on diplomacy underscores the importance of Fiji’s engagements in expanding trade and development partnerships and cooperation.
In his capacity as the Head of Fiji’s Mission in Kuala Lumpur, High Commissioner Caucau will work closely with the Malaysian Government as well as the other countries he is accredited to and international organisations to advance Fiji’s strategic interests by expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, tourism, education, sports, and peace and security.
During his term, High Commissioner Caucau aims to reinvigorate relations between Fiji and Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur, where he will be based, he will work to strengthen relations with accredited countries in the region and the broader international community.
The work of Fiji’s diplomatic missions abroad is driven by the objectives outlined in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper, which focuses on the advancement of Sovereignty, security, and Prosperity.
Our Foreign Policy ensures that Fiji’s national interests are safeguarded both domestically and internationally while fostering security and prosperity for all Fijians.
Malaysia is one of Fiji’s top ten trading partners, with a total trade value of USD 87.4 million (FJD 198.6 million) from January to May 2023, representing a significant increase of 69.64% from the previous year. The growth in bilateral trade reflects the strong and resilient relationship between the two nations. This has also paved the way for increased Malaysian investment and business ventures in Fiji.
Having served in numerous leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, High Commissioner Caucau brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his new role.
High Commissioner Caucau served 23 years in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
His distinguished service in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai. Fiji's participation in these peacekeeping missions is widely regarded for its contribution to international peace and security.
High Commissioner Caucau held the post of Director of Army Legal Services and key leadership positions before retiring from the RFMF in January 2007.
He subsequently joined the Pacific Fishing Company Limited (PAFCO) as Manager Human Resources and later serving as PAFCO’s Board Secretary until 2014.
Before his appointment as High Commissioner-designate, he Chaired the Lomaiviti Provincial Council and was a Member of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Council of Chiefs).
High Commissioner Caucau is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji. His academic qualifications include a Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law (LL.M) from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta, a Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B) from Bond University, Australia and Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Justice and Legal Studies, USP, Suva.
He is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College of the People’s Republic of China after having been earlier commissioned an Officer from the Australian Defence Force Officer Cadet School in Portsea, Victoria, Australia.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka was present at the Commissioning Ceremony as well as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, Minister for Policing Hon. Iowane Naivalurua, Minister for Immigration Hon. Viliame Naupoto, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, Assistant Minister for Justice Ratu Josaia Niudamu and Assistant Minister for Information Hon. Aliki Bia, the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, and members of the newly appointed High Commissioner’s immediate family.