Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently held a courtesy meeting with his Tuvaluan counterpart, Feleti Teo. This meeting marked the first interaction between the two leaders and emphasized the deep-rooted historical and personal connections between Fiji and Tuvalu.
During their discussions, Mr. Teo expressed gratitude for the contributions made by the Fijian diaspora in Tuvalu, particularly acknowledging their roles as educators, healthcare professionals, and medical practitioners. He also pointed out the growing Tuvaluan community residing in Fiji.
The leaders examined potential collaborations in several vital sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and connectivity. They also looked forward to the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled to take place in Tonga from August 26 to 30.
Mr. Rabuka expressed support for Tuvalu’s initiative to create a community facility in Fiji that would benefit the expanding Tuvaluan diaspora, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to this project. The meeting, attended by Tuvalu’s High Commissioner Dr. Eselealofa Apinelu and permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Lesi Korovavala, showcased the friendly relations between the two nations and their dedication to addressing shared challenges and emerging issues.