Fiji and Canada are strengthening their longstanding partnership, with cooperation spanning climate change, oceans, sustainable fisheries and development priorities for Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya met with Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Hon. Randeep Sarai on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau this week.
Minister Tabuya acknowledged Canada’s continued development support to Fiji, including more than $2 million through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for 49 community-focused projects since 2012.
Canada has continued to support climate resilience across the Pacific, including a CA$7.5 million(FJ$12.3M) commitment over five years to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).
The PRF is the first Pacific-led and Pacific-owned financing facility dedicated to Pacific communities on the frontlines of climate change. Canada’s contribution will help expand access to climate finance and support at-risk communities with climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and response, as well as loss and damage.
The meeting also covered opportunities to strengthen Fiji’s fisheries sector, including market access, investment in processing and sustainable fisheries management, as well as cooperation on forestry, sustainable development and Women, Peace and Security.
Minister Tabuya welcomed Canada’s continued engagement in the Pacific and its advocacy for Small Island Developing States, particularly on climate change and oceans.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Fiji-Canada relations and advancing practical cooperation that supports resilient communities and sustainable development across Fiji and the Pacific.
Fiji and Canada share more than 55 years of diplomatic ties, strengthened by a Fijian diaspora of more than 125,000 people of Fijian ancestry in Canada.