The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, announced Fiji’s intention to reopen its diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur during the celebrations for the nation’s 67th National Day and the 61st Malaysia Day.
Ms. Qereqeretabua emphasized that this move aims to boost bilateral relations and expand trade opportunities between Fiji and Malaysia. She stated, “Our High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is re-opening soon,” although she did not provide a specific timeline. She indicated that Kuala Lumpur will serve as a key focal point for trade activities following the reopening.
In her remarks, she congratulated the Malaysian government and its people on their national day, acknowledging the longstanding relationship that has existed for decades, including the support Fiji provided to Malaysia during challenging times. She expressed appreciation for the term “Bula Maleya,” which was referenced by the Malaysian High Commissioner, highlighting the rich history of cooperation between the two nations.
Ms. Qereqeretabua described the relationship as strong and healthy, with aspirations to learn from Malaysia’s achievements. The Malaysian High Commissioner to Fiji, Nor’Azam Mohd Idrus, noted the striking similarities between Malaysia’s “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka” initiative and Fiji’s own focus on unity and prosperity.
He explained that the Malaysia Madani concept is a policy framework introduced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, promoting sustainability, innovation, and compassion. The High Commissioner recalled the historical ties between Fiji and Malaysia, dating back to the 1950s during the Malayan Emergency, when 1,600 Fijians displayed remarkable bravery, solidifying the strong bond between the two countries.
Mr. Idrus highlighted that Malaysia values its open economy and trade relationships worldwide, with Fiji listed among its top ten trading partners, showcasing the robustness of their bilateral trade links. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of companies with strong ties to Malaysia, such as the Carpenters Group, Spirit of Endeavour, and Shangri-La, expressing his support for ongoing growth in these firms and welcoming new investments in Fiji.