Russia, Fiji First High-level Meeting Results in Several Outcomes

“The Pacific region is today the priority of foreign policy for the Russian Federation," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference following a half-day of talks with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Fijian Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola. "The key players are located here," he said.

The meeting in Fiji, the first high-level visit from a Russian official to the country, afforded the Russian Federation the opportunity to strengthen ties with Fiji, as well as meet with numerous other foreign ministers from the Pacific Island Countries. As Minister Kubuabola said during the press conference, "Fiji is the hub of the Pacific, but we are a part of the global community. We must expand our horizons to new friends and opportunities."

The economy was the central issue of discussions. "We've got the common understanding that the priority of the day are the programs and projects that will drive real growth and make the economies of the [Pacific] region even more independent," said Minister Lavrov.

The meeting resulted in a number of outcomes between Fiji and Russia, including an outline of areas of economic cooperation in which "concrete" next-step proposals would be created, an accord to establish visa-free travel to promote tourism between the countries, and a look at how Russia can support Fiji's contributions to peacekeeping missions around the world.