Fiji-South Korean relations
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| Fiji | South Korea |
The Republic of the Fiji Islands and the Republic of Korea established official diplomatic relations in 1970, when Fiji became independent.[1] There is a South Korean embassy in Suva[2] and a Fijian embassy in Seoul[3]. Relations between the two countries are currently friendly, and are being strengthened at the initiative of the Fijian authorities.
The current "interim government" of Fiji, led by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, is continuing the "Look North" foreign policy initiated by his predecessor Laisenia Qarase. This includes strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with South Korea[4], as well as with other Asian countries. Fiji's relations with Western countries is currently poor, due to the lack of democracy in the South Pacific nation, and it is in this context that the Bainimarama administration has turned to Asia.[5] Fiji's Interim Foreign Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has noted approvingly that South Korea has "not interfered in Fiji's political affairs", and that Fiji-ROK relations have been "cordial"; "The ROK has also been active in the provision of technical and other assistance."[6]
In July 2007, Fiji's Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry outlined his country's "Look North" foreign policy:
- “Fiji has friends in China, it has friends in Korea, it has friends in […] other Asian countries. We’re no longer relying on Australia and New Zealand. And in any event, the United States was not doing much for Fiji anyway.”[7]
The Republic of Korea describes its current relations with Fiji as "close" and "friendly". The Korean embassy in Fiji notes that "on the international arena such as the United Nations, Fiji has always provided support for Korea, confirming their solidarity and friendship."[8]
There are approximately 1,000 Korean residents in Fiji.[9]
Fiji has no diplomatic relations with North Korea.
[edit] External links
- Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, official website
- "Fiji-Korea Association will strengthen ties", Fiji government press release, December 2, 2005
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Political relations", ROK embassy in Fiji
- ^ Address of the South Korean embassy in Suva
- ^ Address of the Fijian embassy in Seoul
- ^ "Fiji to establish diplomatic mission in Korea", FijiLive, September 11, 2007
- ^ "Chinese bank seeks place in Fiji", Radio New Zealand International, September 18, 2007
- ^ "Fiji to establish diplomatic mission in Korea", FijiLive, September 11, 2007
- ^ "Chaudhry breaks silence to slag New Zealand", NiuFM, July 9, 2007
- ^ "Political relations", ROK embassy in Fiji
- ^ "Political relations", ROK embassy in Fiji
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