Fiji’s Roving Ambassador in the Pacific, William Toganivalu, conveyed Fiji’s support and best wishes for Samoa as it prepares to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. During a recent ceremony at the official residence of Samoa’s Head of State in Apia, Toganivalu presented his Letter of Credence to His Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, expressing the Fijian Government’s eagerness for the event.
The Head of State of Samoa expressed gratitude for the support from other Pacific nations and looked forward to hosting Fiji and the rest of the Commonwealth in Apia. He voiced confidence in Toganivalu’s role as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa, expecting it to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation on shared interests.
Toganivalu also paid a courtesy visit to Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. During their discussion, Ponifasio highlighted Fiji’s expertise in tourism and hospitality, and discussed the potential for collaboration between Samoa and Fiji in the tourism sector. They also touched on the topic of labor mobility and the necessary arrangements between their governments and immigration departments.
As part of his mission, Toganivalu met with members of the Fijian diaspora in Samoa. During a Q&A session, issues such as passport issuance, renewal processes, and remittance facilitation were addressed. He also connected with the Fijian business community in Samoa, including companies like Vodafone, Kooline, Oceania Gas, and CJ Patel.
Toganivalu’s week-long engagements in Samoa reinforced the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Samoa and Fiji, having established diplomatic relations in 1974, continue to maintain strong bonds rooted in their shared history, cultural heritage, and mutual respect.