Fiji’s Foreign Minister Inia Seruiratu with his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney.

Fiji and Ireland have committed to strengthening bilateral relations.

In a meeting in Ireland this week, Fiji’s Foreign Minister Inia Seruiratu attended the Global Ireland conference at the invitation of his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney.

During the visit, Seruiratu also met Ireland’s Prime Minister, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

It was an opportunity for both ministers to exchange ideas on potential assistance.

The Fijian Minister says the two countries have enjoyed historic ties dating back to the early 1900’s, 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,”

Fiji’s Foreign Minister Inia Seruiratu [middle] during the Global Ireland conference

Discussions also included climate change adaptation and resilience, defence cooperation and strengthened commitment to promoting the ideals of multilateralism.

Both Ministers exchanged views on the implications of the EU and Brexit talks, geopolitical and security developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based order and multilateralism.

Seruiratu also visited Ireland’s Military Training College, in Carrugh.

He used the opportunity to visit the United Nations Training School Ireland which was established in 1993 as a focal point of the Defence Forces effort to standardise preparation for peace support operations.