Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, announced plans to reopen the country’s diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur. This announcement coincides with Fiji’s 67th National Day and Malaysia’s 61st Malaysia Day celebrations.
Qereqeretabua emphasized that reopening the High Commission would strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance trade relations between Fiji and Malaysia. While the exact timeline for the reopening has not been disclosed, she noted that Kuala Lumpur will serve as a central hub for trade initiatives post-reopening.
She congratulated Malaysia’s government and people on their national day, recalling the historical bonds formed during challenging times when Fiji offered assistance to Malaysia. She appreciated the phrase “Bula Maleya,” highlighted by Malaysia’s High Commissioner, which underscores their long-standing partnership.
The Malaysian High Commissioner to Fiji, Nor’Azam Mohd Idrus, remarked on the alignment of Malaysia’s “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka” initiatives with Fiji’s goals of unity and prosperity. He explained that the Malaysia Madani framework, introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focuses on sustainability, innovation, and empathy.
Idrus also recalled the collaborative history between the two nations during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s, where Fijian soldiers displayed exceptional bravery. He emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to fostering business connections globally, including with Fiji, and highlighted that Malaysia is consistently one of Fiji’s top ten trading partners.
He praised the contributions of Malaysian-linked companies operating in Fiji, such as the Carpenters Group and Shangri-La, and expressed his support for their continued growth and for future businesses looking to invest in Fiji.