Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says Papua New Guinea and Fiji are driving forces in the Pacific, working shoulder to shoulder on the global stage, through the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MDG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Minister Tkatchenko, who was the guest of honor at the 55th National Fiji Day last Friday, said Fiji and PNG had strong collaborations in the areas of security.
“Our Defense and Peacekeeping Forces train together and deploy together. We command Fiji’s commitment to regional security, emulsified by key initiatives like the Blackrock facility, which boosts capacity not just for Fiji but for all of us. And for Ocean of Peace regional initiatives, recently endorsed by the Forum Family. And we command Fiji for this Initiative,” he said.
Minister Tkatchenko said, in the area of economic growth from enhancing trade and investment from sectors like tourism agriculture and ICT to deepening the people to people links through tertiary education opportunities, streamlined labor mobility and Visa arrangements. PNG’S focus remains on generating mutual prosperity for the citizens.
“The exchange of ideas, flows of goods and the movement of our people have enriched both our Societies tremendously.
“Looking ahead as we stand at the golden anniversary let us reflect on the spirit of cooperation, respect and mutual understanding that has defined our past 50 years.
“The world faces complex challenges, from climate change to geo-strategic completion but PNG and Fiji are strongest when we navigate this waters together.
“The future if the Pacific is bright, and it rests in the strength of relationships like ours.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of PNG, I wish to congratulate the people and the government of Fiji a belated independence anniversary and we look forward to growing and taking our relations to new heights.”
Fijian High Commissioner Jackson Bernard Nato Evans said the celebration took one headed meaning in a country whom both share not only diplomatic ties but profound historical culture, people to people connection.
This connection is emulsified tonight with the presence of our national rugby league team, the Fiji Bati Team.
He said 2025 marked three significant milestone: 55 years independence for Fiji, 55 years of diplomatic relations with PNG and 150 years since the arrival of the first Fijian missionaries to the shores of PNG.
“Today this legacy lives with the Fijian Diaspora in PNG. Some made PNG their homes, service as diplomats fostering understand trust and shared growth between our countries.”
The two countries already have a strong relations valued at K26 mission in 2024.
Fiji exports a diverse range of manufactured goods to PNG while we import essential commodities products that sustain our industry.
“It’s a partnership that reflects economic, complementary and shared aspirations and our Pacific Solidarity.” As we mark 55years of Independence, may this be a time of reflections, peace unity and progress,” the High Commissioner said.