The official opening of the Canada's High Commission in Suva represents a milestone achievement in strengthening the bilateral relations and diplomatic engagements between the two nations and the Pacific family.
The Canadian High Commission located at 37 Gladstone Road was officiated this morning by Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, the Hon. Randeep Sarai and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (Designate), Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka.
Hon. Ditoka in his remarks said the establishment of the Canadian High Commission sends a clear message that Canada values its partnership, presence and engagement with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Hon. Ditoka said this initiative will strengthen our diplomatic ties and create new opportunities for cooperation in trade, climate action, education, development and people-to-people links - stating that these areas matter greatly to Fiji and to the Pacific family as a whole.
Further, Hon. Ditoka on behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji congratulated and welcomed Canada's diplomatic presence in Fiji, as a trusted development partner with 55 years of diplomatic relations and shared values.
Hon. Ditoka said Fiji looks forward to working closely with the Canadian High Commission to advance our common interest and to deliver tangible benefits for our people.
In his remarks, Hon. Sarai expressed Canada's strong commitment to deepen relations and turning shared ambition into action for mutual benefit, to support resilient communities and ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
He highlighted that in 2024, two-way trade between our countries totaled 53 million, almost double that of the previous year as Canada diversifies trade and investment opportunities and is committed to doubling our trade in the next ten years of countries outside of North America.
Hon. Sarai said tourism from Fiji to Canada has increased from10,000 to over 20,000 since the Fiji Airways flight has begun from Nadi to Vancouver and Canada looks forward to further strengthening the trade and tourism exchanges with Fiji. Notably, Canada is home to 25,000 Fiji born citizens and with over 125,000 diaspora that have Fijian ancestry.
The establishment of the Canadian High Commission in Fiji underscores the shared commitment of the two nations to advance sustainable development and trade and tourism, and contribute significantly to peace and prosperity in the Pacific region and beyond.