New prospects for development cooperation are currently explored between Fiji and Malaysia, with greater emphasis on trade and investment, tourism, capacity building and people-to-people relations.
These were among the key issues discussed at an introductory call received by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs (PSFA), Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala from the newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia to Fiji, His Excellency Nor’Azam Mohd Idrus.
In welcoming the new Ambassador during his first visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Dr Korovavala congratulated him and wished him well in his new diplomatic posting.
On regional matters, the meeting looked at partnership to address global challenges such as climate change and building back better from the pandemic.
The discussions outlined cooperation in capacity building exchanges within the framework of the Malaysia Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP) and the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
Ambassador Idrus said the Malaysian High Commission based in Suva will work closely with Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the two nations.
He said Malaysia aims to support Fiji’s development aspirations and its commitment to promote regional peace and prosperity.
Malaysia welcomes the outcomes of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh during which, Parties agreed to establish a dedicated funding mechanism on loss and damage.
Malaysia looks forward to continuing the discussion on its operationalisation and implementation ahead of COP28 in the UAE in November.
Malaysia business sector presence through the Carpenters Group, Spirit of Endeavour, Asia Pacific One, and Shangri-La are among the companies which have made a mark in Fiji.
Ties between Fiji and Malaysia can be traced back to the 1950s when 1,600 Fijian soldiers served in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency.
