Fiji |
South Korea |
The Republic of Fiji and the Republic of Korea established official diplomatic relations in January 1971, Korea having recognised Fiji's accession to independence the previous year.[1] [2] There is a South Korean embassy in Suva[3] and a Fijian consulate in Seoul.[4] Relations between the two countries are currently friendly, and are being strengthened at the initiative of the Fijian authorities.
In December 2011, Fiji announced it would be opening an embassy in Seoul in the first half of 2012, to "foster trade and investment" and to "promote people-to-people exchanges".[5]
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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,[6] as well as with other Asian countries. Fiji's relations with Western countries are 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.[7] 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."[8]
In July 2007, Fiji's Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry outlined his country's "Look North" foreign policy:
An inaugural Fiji-Korea Business Forum and Catalog Exhibition was held in Suva in October 2011, at the initiative of the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, of Investment Fiji, and of the South Korean Embassy in Fiji. Its aim was to encourage Korean investment in Fiji, and trade between the two countries.[2]
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."[10]
In June 2009, the Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement, an organisation founded in Australia to campaign for the restoration of democracy in Fiji, protested outside the South Korean embassy in Canberra, asking South Korea to "withdraw support for the military regime".[11]
There are approximately 1,000 Korean residents in Fiji.[12] Trade remains on a low level; in 2011, by November, Korean exports into Fiji were worth about €13.5 million, while Fiji exports to South Korea were worth €11.5 million.[13] Nonetheless, the previous month, the two countries had held "their first ever business forum" to promote enhanced trade relations. Fiji exports mainly sugar and textiles to Korea.[5]
Fiji has no diplomatic relations with North Korea.
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