William Toganivalu, Fiji’s Roving Ambassador in the Pacific, conveyed Fiji’s support and best wishes for Samoa’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to be hosted in October.
During a recent ceremony in Apia, Toganivalu presented his Letter of Credence to Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, at the official residence. Toganivalu expressed the Fijian Government’s anticipation for the gathering.
The Head of State of Samoa appreciated the support from other Pacific nations and looked forward to welcoming Fiji and the rest of the Commonwealth Aiga in Apia. He also expressed confidence in Toganivalu’s role as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa, noting that it would further strengthen the existing relations and foster cooperation on mutual interests.
Toganivalu also paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. During their discussion, Ponifasio recognized Fiji’s expertise in the tourism and hospitality industry and highlighted the potential for collaboration in the tourism sector. He also brought up the important topic of labor mobility and the necessary formal agreements between the governments and immigration departments.
As part of his duties, Toganivalu met with members of the Fijian diaspora community living and working in Samoa. During a ‘talanoa’ (Q & A) session, the diaspora community raised issues related to passport issuance and renewal processes, and remittance facilitation.
Toganivalu also engaged with the community of Fijian businesses operating in Samoa, including companies like Vodafone, Kooline, Oceania Gas, and CJ Patel.
Overall, Toganivalu’s week-long 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.