The President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol in a diplomatic letter conveyed this afternoon to the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, has reaffirmed Korea’s unwavering commitment to strengthen partnership with Fiji through a substantial increase in Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and economic cooperation.
The letter was presented to Prime Minister Rabuka by the President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) H.E Won-Sam Chang.
The first of such visit by the KOICA President to Fiji and the Pacific region, marks a significant milestone in elevating Fiji and Korea’s 50 years of diplomatic relations established in 1971.
In demonstrating their new support, the Republic of Korea (ROK) announced that the Official Development Assistance will increase by 40 percent for Fiji next year and ROK-Pacific Island Pacific (PIF) Cooperation Fund will also increase by fivefold.
Korea’s elevated engagements with Fiji recognises our status as hub of the Pacific region and Korea’s largest development partner among Pacific Island Countries, with KOICA’s ongoing projects in Fiji amounting to FJD $120 million.
In welcoming the Korean delegation, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked the Republic of Korea for supporting Fiji over the years and acknowledged their unwavering commitment to further enhance cooperation.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his best wishes to President H.E Yoon Suk Yeol and the people of Korea.
The Prime Minister spoke on the concept announced at the UNGA78, “Pacific Zone of Peace” which calls for international cooperation to nurture “unity, peace and prosperity”.
KOICA President Mr. Chang commended Prime Minister Rabuka for his exemplary leadership demonstrated at the regional and global arenas.
Mr. Chang informed that the Korean ODA to Fiji will increase by 40 percent next year and then double by year 2027, with focus on three pillars: economic development, climate change and digital divide.
He is honoured to meet Prime Minister Rabuka to discuss Fiji and Korea’s cooperation moving forward in the future and delighted that Fiji is the first foreign destination he chose to visit.
KOICA’s support to Fiji includes the deployment of Korean volunteers and advisors, KOICA scholarships and training for 600 Fijian nationals, and KOICA Alumni Club’s projects. A major renewable energy project implemented by KOICA includes the USD $8 million Agro photovoltaic project in Ovalau.
KOICA is working closely with the Government of Fiji to implement major projects to generate tangible benefits for the communities in Fiji. Amongst these are “Strengthening Health Care Systems, Renewable Energy installation in the rural remote islands and government stations, doubling the dispatch of volunteers and experts, provision of more Korean scholarships and trainings, and projects to assist community livelihood.
Mr. Chang and his delegation took the opportunity to also visit Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters and met with Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala. At the senior executive level meetings they discussed the various projects and proposals in line with Korea’s ODA and the Fiji Government’s development priorities.
