EAM Jaishankar, Fiji's Health Minister Lalabalav discuss ongoing medical cooperation

ANI April 7, 2025 218 views

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Fiji's Health Minister Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalav to discuss ongoing medical cooperation. The meeting highlighted the strong bilateral ties between India and Fiji, which have been growing since Prime Minister Modi's 2014 visit. Their discussions focused on healthcare collaboration and enhancing people-to-people connections. The engagement reflects India's strategic approach to strengthening relationships with Pacific Island nations.

"Discussed our ongoing health and medical cooperation, an important pillar of our long-standing partnership." - S Jaishankar
New Delhi, April 7: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services, Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalav, in Delhi on Monday. Jaishankar said that he and Lalabalav discussed ongoing health and medical cooperation and called it an "important pillar" of a long-standing partnership between the two nations.

Key Points

1

India-Fiji bilateral relations rooted in mutual respect and cultural understanding

2

Health cooperation emerges as key diplomatic engagement

3

Ministers discuss mobility of skilled workers

4

Strategic partnership spans multiple sectors

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to meet @MOHFiji Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalav this morning. Discussed our ongoing health and medical cooperation, an important pillar of our long-standing partnership."

On February 19, Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Pabitra Margherita met with Fijian Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh to discuss enhancing cooperation on the mobility of skilled workers to Fiji.

Taking to X, Margherita stated, "Pleased to welcome Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Minister of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations of Fiji today. Discussed ways and means to further deepen our bilateral ties including on enhancing cooperation on mobility of skilled workers to Fiji."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany on February 15.

"An honour to meet PM & FM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji this evening. Always nice to hear his recollections, views and insights," Jaishankar posted on X.

The relations between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation, and strong cultural and people-to-people ties.

According to the High Commission of India in Suva, the bilateral relationship received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held.

Over the years, India has provided support to Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Great to see India strengthening ties with Pacific nations! The medical cooperation is especially important for Fiji's development. 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I wish there was more transparency about what specific medical programs are being discussed. The people deserve to know details.
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Ananya P.
My cousin worked as a doctor in Fiji through one of these exchange programs. She said the experience was life-changing! More power to such initiatives.
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Sunil M.
India's soft power diplomacy is really shining through in the Pacific region. The focus on health and skilled workers makes so much sense for both countries.
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Meera D.
Fiji has such a special place in my heart after visiting last year. The people are wonderful. Glad to see our countries working together like this!
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Vikram J.
Interesting how India is expanding its influence beyond traditional partners. The FIPIC initiative seems to be paying off. Wonder what's next in this partnership?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Jaishankar Fiji Health Cooperation Bilateral Relations Diplomatic Engagement Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalav India-Pacific Islands
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