Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, has announced plans to reopen the Fijian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. This announcement coincided with Fiji’s 67th National Day and Malaysia’s 61st Malaysia Day celebrations.
Qereqeretabua emphasized that the reopening aims to bolster bilateral relations and expand trade opportunities between the two nations. While she did not disclose a specific timeline for the reopening, she indicated that Kuala Lumpur would serve as a central hub for trade activities following the mission’s reinstatement.
In her remarks, she congratulated Malaysia on its national day, recalling the historical support Fiji provided to Malaysia during challenging periods. The Assistant Minister expressed gratitude for the term “Bula Maleya,” highlighted by Malaysia’s High Commissioner, which emphasizes the longstanding partnership between the countries.
The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Fiji, Nor’Azam Mohd Idrus, noted the significant relationship between the two nations. He referenced Malaysia’s policy framework known as Malaysia Madani, which promotes sustainability, prosperity, and patriotic spirit. He also acknowledged the historical ties that date back to the 1950s during the Malayan Emergency, where Fijians exhibited remarkable bravery.
Idrus highlighted that Malaysia values its global business relationships, including with Fiji, and consistently ranks among Fiji’s top trading partners, underlining the strength of their bilateral trade relations. He also expressed pride in the contributions of Malaysian-linked companies operating in Fiji, such as the Carpenters Group and Shangri-La, and affirmed support for their continued growth in the region.