The new roving ambassador designate of Fiji to Samoa, Ratu Seremaia Tuinausori Cavuilati, presented his credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II yesterday. 

Held at the Head of State’s residence in Vailele, Tuimalealiifano accepted the letter and acknowledged Fiji’s contribution to the collective efforts of the region through the Pacific Island Leaders Forum. 

 “I acknowledge the contribution of Fiji in the international arena on addressing pressing issues of climate change,” he added.  

“I am confident that the diplomatic relations between Samoa and Fiji will continue to grow and that His Excellency, Ambassador will excel in deepening our cooperation between the islands and our partnerships in the region.”

Tuimalealiifano also highlighted the commitment by the Fiji Government in strengthening the close relations between the two island states. 

He in particular acknowledged the presence of Fiji’s President Jioji Konrote and his first lady during Samoa’s 56 years of independence celebration last year, and the courtesy and hospitality accorded to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi during his first official visit to Fiji in August last year. 

“I undertake Your Excellency to honour the commitment of the Government of Fiji in deepening and strengthening the cordial and fruitful relation that have existed between our two countries, and have been boosted by the state visit of Prime Minister Tuilaepa last year,” Ratu Seremaia said. 

The roving ambassador of Fiji to the Pacific Islands and special envoy to the regional organisations under the council of regional organisations in the Pacific, was also the ambassador of Fiji to Japan, and accredited to the People’s Republic of China and Korea from 1997-2001. 

Ratu Seremaia has had a long and illustrious career as a civil servant under the Fiji Government commencing in 1976 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 

Some of his years of service also included being the Permanent Secretary for the then Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Civil Aviation and External Trade in Fiji. He was also Fiji’s permanent representative to the European Union, the A.C.P. Group and Europe-based multilateral institutions, and as Fiji’s Ambassador to Jakarta and accredited to Singapore from 2011-2016.