The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi R. Ditoka, engaged in discussions today with Her Excellency Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, the Danish Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, who is also the Ambassador Designate to Fiji. The meeting, which took place in Suva, aimed to reinforce the diplomatic ties between Fiji and Denmark, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in rural development, disaster risk management, and climate resilience.
Minister Ditoka highlighted the Fijian Government’s commitment to reducing the development disparities between urban and rural areas. He pointed out specific priorities including improving access to safe housing, clean water, and resilient infrastructure to bolster the country’s rural and maritime communities. He stated, “Our Ministry is focused on building resilience in our rural and maritime communities by providing access to safe housing, clean water, reliable infrastructure, and inclusive development.”
The discussions also recognized the significant contributions of various development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme’s Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). These collaborations have been instrumental in initiatives like the construction of evacuation centers and the relocation of communities affected by climate change.
Fiji expressed a strong interest in deepening its cooperation with Denmark across multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster resilience, community relocation, and adaptation to climate change.
This meeting follows a recent encounter between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Ambassador Dahl-Madsen, during which both leaders underscored the longstanding diplomatic relationship, which has been in place for 26 years. This ongoing dialogue is expected to pave the way for collaborative solutions addressing critical global challenges related to climate change, trade, and governance.
As Fiji continues to foster international relations, developments in its partnership with Denmark may lead to sustainable advancements in disaster management and rural resilience, reflecting a hopeful outlook for both nations in tackling contemporary issues together.
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