Fiji and the Islamic Republic of Iran this week formally established diplomatic relations after Fijian Minister for Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola signed a Memorandum of Understanding with his Iranian counterpart DrAli Akbar Salehi in the Iranian capital Tehran.
This historic achievement is a culmination of close cooperation and dialogue between officials of the two governments and the signing demonstrates the unwavering commitment between Fiji and Iran.
At their meeting, Dr Salehi welcomed Minister Kubuabola stating that Iran had long considered Fiji as a strategic ally amongst the Pacific Small Island Developing States and that the two countries had a lot to offer in terms of further exploring and enhancing economic and development cooperation,
Minister Kubuabola said that Fiji looks forward to strengthening this important bilateral relation with the view of advancing areas of common interests to both countries.
This new development will enable economic relations and deepen collaboration between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, economy, science, education, tourism and culture. This new development also allows for the appointment of non resident ambassadors for both countries.
The establishment of this diplomatic relations is consistent with Fiji’s Look North Plus Policy and Pillar 11 of the Peoples Charter on ‘Enhancing International Relations and Global Integration’. This MOU also comes at a very important juncture when Iran is assuming the role of Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The diplomatic affairs of the two countries are being handled by their respective embassies in Wellington, New Zealand.
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