Fiji is seeking to deepen economic and security cooperation with the United Kingdom, with Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka holding a series of meetings in London aimed at advancing infrastructure investment, maritime security and employment opportunities for Fijians.
The discussions took place on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting on March 8.
Ditoka met representatives of UK Export Finance (UKEF) to explore financing mechanisms that could support high-impact infrastructure projects in Fiji, particularly in transport systems, water infrastructure, agricultural supply chains and strategic road networks.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on mobilising investment into sectors that can strengthen Fiji’s productive capacity, reduce the cost of doing business and improve connectivity across the country.
UKEF outlined financing structures designed to support large-scale capital projects involving British technical expertise, particularly in transport infrastructure and engineering services.
Such investments could improve logistics efficiency, strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and support growth in sectors including tourism, agriculture and trade.
Ditoka said Fiji’s infrastructure development strategy increasingly prioritises projects that generate long-term national returns through higher productivity, improved service delivery and stronger economic resilience.
As a next step, the government will develop investment-ready proposals for UKEF’s consideration through the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Infrastructure Development. The projects will be aligned with national planning frameworks to ensure they are economically viable and capable of attracting external financing.
UKEF representatives noted that successful partnerships require clearly defined project concepts, strong economic justification and integration within national budget frameworks. Financing from the agency also requires identifiable “UK content” in project delivery, reflecting its mandate to support British expertise and services.
Ditoka welcomed the engagement and said Fiji could leverage British financing and technical expertise to advance strategic infrastructure projects.
Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Jovilisi Suveinakama and First Secretary Paulini Cakacaka also attended the meeting.
Separately, Ditoka held talks with UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Coaker to strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two countries.
One key outcome was the continued operationalisation of the Fiji–UK Ship Rider Agreement, which enables joint operations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing across Fiji’s maritime domain.
A Royal Navy vessel is scheduled to visit Fiji in April and May to conduct joint operations, training and maritime surveillance with Fijian authorities.
The discussions also highlighted employment opportunities for Fijians in British defence forces. Fiji offered to support recruitment through structured pre-deployment orientation programmes drawing on the experience of Fijian veterans who have served abroad.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in sport and public sector training. The United Kingdom expressed support for Fiji hosting three matches in the upcoming Nations Championship in July, which is expected to boost tourism and international visibility.
Fiji is also developing a training programme for civil servants serving in diplomatic missions overseas, aimed at strengthening the country’s diplomatic representation and operational capacity.
The Fijian government will now work with the United Kingdom to develop a structured action plan to implement the agreed areas of cooperation.
