Fiji’s Roving Ambassador in the Pacific, William Toganivalu, conveyed his nation’s support and best wishes to Samoa as it prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for October. This message was delivered while presenting his Letter of Credence to Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, during a recent ceremony held at the official residence in Apia.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the support from other Pacific nations and looked forward to welcoming Fiji and the rest of the Commonwealth in Apia. He also voiced confidence in Toganivalu’s appointment as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa, believing it will continue to strengthen existing relations and promote cooperation on mutual interests.
During his visit, Toganivalu also met with Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. Ponifasio acknowledged Fiji’s expertise in the tourism and hospitality industry and highlighted the potential for Samoa-Fiji collaboration in tourism. He also discussed the important issue of labor mobility and the necessary arrangements that could be formalized between both governments and immigration departments.
Toganivalu met with members of the Fijian diaspora community in Samoa, engaging in a ‘talanoa’ session where issues such as passport issuance, renewal processes, and remittance facilitation were discussed. Additionally, he connected with the Fijian business community in Samoa, which includes companies like Vodafone, Kooline, Oceania Gas, and CJ Patel.
Overall, Toganivalu’s engagements in Samoa reinforced the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Samoa and Fiji, which established diplomatic relations in 1974, continue to maintain cordial relations based on their shared history, cultural heritage, and mutual respect.