Commitment to grow relations
THE Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to increase relations and co-operation with the Pacific – including Fiji through our partnership of the Republic of Korea-Pacific Island Forum Cooperation.
The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Fiji, Park Young-kyu, paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka and the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Alitia Bainivalu, this week.
He shared Korea’s plans to host the first KoreaPacific Islands Summit in 2023.
A media release from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation said during the first half of year, Korea also intended to have a private sector business delegation to Fiji to promote not only government-to-government, but business-to-business relations.
Mr Gavoka shared the Government of Fiji’s commitment to growing the over 50-year friendship and co-operation Fiji shared with Korea.
“The Northern Pacific – including Korea – is an important partner of Fiji. And our long term objective is to diversify markets and look at more destinations in addition to traditional ones. This is a beginning for us — but we are long-time friends with lots of opportunities to look forward to,” said Mr Gavoka.
Further discussions took place on the possibility of resuming direct flights between Fiji and Korea – given the changing Korean market demographics who seek unique destinations that serve the family and honeymoon market. The Korean Embassy also took the opportunity to brief the Ministers and Permanent Secretary for Tourism on Korea’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in Busan.