Minister for Foreign Affairs (Fiji)

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Fiji

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Fiji

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs (commonly known as the Foreign Minister) is Fiji's Cabinet Minister responsible for international relations and diplomacy. Especially since two military coups in 1987 harmed Fiji's relationship with other countries, with another setback following the civilian insurrection which toppled the elected government in 2000, the Foreign Minister's position has been a very important one.

Like other ministers, the Foreign Minister is formally appointed by the President on the nomination of the Prime Minister, and is responsible to both the Prime Minister and the House of Representatives. The position may be held independently, or in conjunction with other ministerial responsibilities. From time to time, the Prime Minister has simultaneously served as Foreign Minister. The present Foreign Minister, Kaliopate Tavola, doubles as the External Trade Minister.

Along with all ministers, the Foreign Minister is constitutionally required to be a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

As a British colony, Fiji had no Foreign Minister; the United Kingdom managed its external relations. The table below lists the individuals who have held the Foreign Affairs portfolio since Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970, together with their terms of office and the Prime Ministers in whose administration they served. If the Foreign Minister was also Prime Minister at the time, this is indicated by an asterisk.