Canada opens Fiji diplomatic mission three years after announcement

Canada has opened a high commission in Fiji, more than three years after pledging to establish its first diplomatic mission in the Pacific; Global Affairs Canada announced the opening after MP Randeep Sarai launched the mission.

Canada has opened a high commission in Fiji more than three years after announcing plans to establish its first diplomatic mission in the Pacific Islands. Global Affairs Canada posted the announcement on social media following a launch last week by MP Randeep Sarai in his role as secretary of state for international development. The initial pledge was made in late 2022 as part of efforts to strengthen economic and security ties with 14 Pacific island countries. That pledge was linked with calls for reforms to global financial institutions to help small island states build resilience to climate change. Key facts: - The high commission in Fiji opened after a pledge made by Ottawa in late 2022. - Global Affairs Canada announced the opening in a social media post. - MP Randeep Sarai launched the mission last week as secretary of state for international development. - The opening is described as Canada’s first diplomatic mission in the Pacific Islands and part of efforts to deepen economic and security ties with 14 Pacific nations. - Fiji is a Commonwealth member with notable influence in the South Pacific, where other powers have also been active. Summary: The opening signals a renewed, direct Canadian presence in the Pacific and aligns with previous commitments on economic, security and climate resilience. The article did not detail specific follow-up initiatives or diplomatic steps. Undetermined at this time.