FIJI and Ireland bilateral relations are set to improve following a meeting between Fiji’s Foreign Minister Inia Seruiratu and Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier in the week.
Mr Seruiratu represented Fiji at the Global Ireland conference at the invitation of Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
During the visit, Mr Seruiratu also met Mr Leo Varadkar.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both men to exchange ideas on potential assistance that Fiji could explore through the elevated cooperation with the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Seruiratu said Fiji and Ireland had enjoyed historic ties that dated back to the early 1900s, when Irish missionaries arrived in Fiji to carry out development work.
“As a new and emerging economic and political power, I welcome Ireland’s ‘Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS)’, and Ireland’s wish to strengthen friendship with Fiji,” Mr Seruiratu said.
Discussions during the meeting included climate change adaptation and resilience, defence cooperation and strengthened commitment to promoting the ideals of multilateralism.
In addition, Mr Seruiratu also visited the Republic of Ireland Military Training College in Carrugh.
