Fiji and UK Strengthen Development Collaboration

The official visit by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) new Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, Heather Wheeler this week, has been a milestone achievement. It has strengthened the co-operation between Fiji and the United Kingdom.

Ms Wheeler’s first visit to Fiji has been a platform to enhance Fiji-UK co-operation in addressing important global issues like climate change. During the visit to the University of the South Pacific on Tuesday this week, Minister Wheeler emphasised on the importance of such partnerships in tackling climate change.

The visit to USP is relevant to UK’s Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, which aims to produce safe and sustainable marine economies by driving economic growth, supporting food security, reducing poverty, building resilience against climate change and protecting the marine environment and resources.

“Thanks to this partnership, ocean acidification sensors are now measuring the impacts of climate change in Fiji’s waters. The data these sensors collect will be invaluable in informing Fiji’s planning and response.

“I want to congratulate the university on attracting funding through the One Ocean Hub and I look forward to seeing the results of this research. The UK is proud to be a leader in marine policy and science, and to be working with the University of the South Pacific in these important areas.

“By working together, and pooling our knowledge, ingenuity and resources, we can meet the challenges of climate change and ensure a sustainable, prosperous and secure future for us all.”

Ms Wheeler reaffirmed UK’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Fiji in the areas of sustainable development goals. Minister Wheeler also met with the families of the Fijian men and women who have served in the British Armed Forces and conveyed her appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Fijian troops for their dedication to peacekeeping.