Fiji is planning to enhance its passport services for citizens living abroad by exploring the option of printing passports in diplomatic offices and deploying mobile biometric machines. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made this announcement following a bilateral meeting with Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni on Monday.
During their discussions, Mr. Rabuka extended an invitation to the Tongan Prime Minister to establish a diplomatic office in Fiji, while also expressing Fiji’s support for Tonga’s recent chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). He congratulated Sovaleni on taking up this role.
There was a shared concern regarding maritime boundaries, particularly concerning Minerva Reef, which can be addressed by officials from both nations.
Issues related to visas and passports were raised during a community gathering with Fijians in Tonga last Saturday. Mr. Rabuka conveyed the concerns of the Fijian diaspora to the Tongan delegation. He noted that discussions were constructive and revolved around visa matters and travel challenges.
Concerns over airfare pricing were also mentioned, which Mr. Rabuka attributed to Fiji Airways, acknowledging it as a commercial issue that could be addressed directly with the airline.
On the previous day, Mr. Rabuka participated in the Forum Leaders Dialogue with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, where he stressed the need for transformative policies. He underscored the significance of local legislation that aligns with global objectives, emphasizing crucial areas such as biodiversity, biosecurity, connectivity, and climate change.