Fiji Mission to the European Union
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 European Union |
 Fiji |
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The Fiji Mission to the European Union is responsible for Fiji's diplomatic relations with the European Union and with all member countries, except those with which Fiji maintains specific diplomatic relations, such as the United Kingdom.
The Mission, which was first established in July 1973, is based in Brussels, Belgium, and doubles as Fiji's Embassy to Belgium. The Head of Mission to the European Union, currently Ratu Seremaia Tui Cavuilati, also holds the title of Ambassador to Belgium. He is assisted by two counsellors (Tupou Raturaga and Nidhendra Singh, who is responsible for agriculture and trade) and by Miss Y. Chan, the Second Secretary. In addition, there are two supporting staff.
The main focus of the Mission is to promote Fiji's trading interests and gain markets for Fiji's sugar through such agreements as the Lome Convention and the Cotonou Agreement. It has also helped negotiate tariff concessions and preferential market quotas for the export of garments and canned tuna to European countries.
List of heads of mission
The following individuals have held office as Head of Mission to the European Union.
| Order | Chief Justice | Term of office |
| 1. | Sir Josaia Rabukawaqa [1] | 1973–1976 |
| 2. | Satya Nandan | 8 November 1976 - 1983 |
| 3. | J.D. Cavalevu | 1983–1985 |
| 4. | Poseci Bune | 1985–1987 |
| 5. | Kaliopate Tavola | 1988–1998 |
| 6. | Isikeli Mataitoga | 1998–2004 |
| 7. | Ratu Seremaia Tui Cavuilati | 2004–2009 |
| 8. | Peceli Vocea | 2009-2014[1] |
| Rabukawaqa, who was Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, was accredited as Head of Mission to the European Union and as Ambassador to Belgium, but was not resident. | ||
References
- ↑ "Vocea passes away". fbc.com.fj. Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
Vocea was serving his second term in office as Fiji’s representative to the EU and Belgium, an appointment he has held since 2009.