Fiji’s Roving Ambassador in the Pacific, William Toganivalu, has conveyed support and best wishes for Samoa’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) set for October.
During the presentation of his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, at a ceremony at the official residence in Apia, Toganivalu expressed the Fijian government’s enthusiasm for the forthcoming event.
The Head of State appreciated the support from other Pacific nations and anticipates welcoming Fiji and other Commonwealth members to Apia.
He also expressed confidence in Toganivalu’s recent appointment as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Fiji to Samoa, which he believes will strengthen existing relations and foster cooperation on mutual interests.
Toganivalu paid a courtesy call to Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. During their meeting, Ponifasio acknowledged Fiji’s expertise in tourism and hospitality and discussed potential Samoa-Fiji collaboration in the tourism sector. He raised important topics such as labor mobility and the necessary arrangements between their governments and immigration departments.
Toganivalu also met with the Fijian diaspora community in Samoa during a ‘talanoa’ (Q&A) session, addressing issues such as passport issuance, renewal processes, and remittance facilitation. Additionally, he engaged with Fijian businesses operating in Samoa, including Vodafone, Kooline, Oceania Gas, and CJ Patel.
Overall, Toganivalu’s week-long engagements in Samoa further reinforced diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Samoa and Fiji have maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1974, rooted in their shared history, cultural heritage, and mutual respect.