The newly appointed Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga received an introductory courtesy call from New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Charlotte Darlow, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) headquarters in Suva. This meeting marked PS Taga’s first such engagement undertaken since assuming the new role.
During the meeting, PS Taga expressed Fiji’s sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of New Zealand for their ongoing support and collaboration. She acknowledged that this year marks a milestone—55 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and New Zealand, signifying the strength of the enduring partnership and our shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity.
She also expressed optimism that the Duavata Partnership will continue to thrive to even greater heights and reaffirmed her commitment to further enhance the strategic cooperation between the two nations during her tenure. She noted the proposed high-level consultations expected to be convened this year for further dialogue.
Additionally, PS Taga thanked High Commissioner Darlow for sharing valuable insights on the prospects ahead, particularly in recognition of the growing tourism, trade and economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
In conclusion, Dr. Taga assured HC Darlow of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—Fiji (MFA) continued commitment to working closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Suva and Fiji’s High Commission in Wellington to deepen engagements in trade and investment, regional security, climate resilience, economic growth, labour mobility, and connectivity.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Charlotte Darlow, congratulated Dr. Taga and wished her well in her new role. Acknowledging that the year 2025 marks 55 years of bilateral relations between our two countries, High Commissioner Darlow noted the positive and wide-ranging results that have been achieved in both Fiji and New Zealand through our cooperation under the Duavata Partnership.
She further noted that both New Zealand and Fiji are deeply involved in joint efforts to strengthen peace, security, and prosperity across the Blue Pacific region. Noting that both of our respective governments have high ambitions for the Fiji and New Zealand bilateral relationship, High Commissioner Darlow expressed the New Zealand High Commission’s full commitment to continue working closely and collaboratively with Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As highlighted during the recent Waitangi Day celebrations in Fiji, the two-way trade between Fiji and New Zealand has reached a record high of $1.9 billion over the past year, with significant increases in the tourism numbers.
At the meeting today, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to building on these achievements and pursuing new opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead.