The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka has extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Papua New Guinea ahead of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Prime Minister Rabuka praised his PNG counterpart, Hon. James Marape, for his leadership in strengthening not only Papua New Guinea but also the broader Melanesian and Pacific region.
Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed his intention to attend the historic Golden Jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby, joining other regional leaders in marking PNG’s milestone.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, I extend our utmost congratulations to you, Prime Minister Marape, and to the people of Papua New Guinea as you prepare to mark this significant milestone.
“Fiji values the warm and cordial relations that our two countries have shared over the decades. Our diplomatic ties remain strong and ever-growing, and Fiji will continue to stand with Papua New Guinea in promoting a united, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific,” the Prime Minister said.
“I formally congratulate you on this historic occasion, and I look forward to joining you in Port Moresby to celebrate your Golden Jubilee.”
In response, Prime Minister Marape expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Rabuka and the people of Fiji for their longstanding friendship and support.
“We in Papua New Guinea appreciate the strong and consistent support that Fiji has shown us over the years,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Indeed, when others looked away or took sides during Fiji’s own challenges, PNG stood firmly with Fiji. Your warm congratulations on our 50th Independence anniversary mean a great deal to our nation, and we are grateful to count you as a senior statesman of Melanesia and the wider Pacific.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the deep-rooted historical, political, and economic ties that have long connected the two countries, particularly through regional cooperation within the MSG and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Fiji and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations in 1975 and continue to build on their traditional, political, and economic partnership. The reopening of the Fiji High Commission in Port Moresby in 2023 reaffirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Led by High Commissioner Mr. Jackson Evans, Fiji’s High Commission in PNG has played a vital role in advancing cooperation and engagement. Both countries are working closely to promote peace, security, prosperity, and regional solidarity in alignment with Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper.
Economic cooperation between the two nations is also deepening. The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) of PNG has made strategic investments in Fiji, including at Pacific Harbour. PNG-based financial institutions such as BSP and Credit Corporation are also actively operating in Fiji, while Fijian businesses continue to explore investment opportunities in PNG, particularly in sectors such as retail, textiles, and the gourmet food industry.
A bilateral framework agreement on technical and economic cooperation is currently under development. This agreement aims to foster partnerships in agriculture, health, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
The revival of the Fiji–PNG Business Council is regarded as a key step toward enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business connections.
In addition to political and economic cooperation, the two nations also share a deep spiritual and cultural bond. For decades, Fijian missionaries have played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in parts of Papua New Guinea — a legacy that continues to inspire mutual respect and connection.
As both countries look ahead, their leaders reaffirmed a shared vision of unity, mutual cooperation, and a prosperous future for the peoples of Melanesia and the wider Pacific.