Foreign Minister says Fiji respecting UK, China envoy processes

The Government says it is awaiting the appointment of new senior diplomats from the United Kingdom and China following changes in leadership at the two foreign missions, while stressing that diplomatic relations remain strong.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka said Fiji had been informed of the changes involving the two envoys but had not been advised why their postings ended before the completion of their expected terms.

The diplomats are former British High Commissioner Kanbar Hossein-Bor and the People’s Republic of China’s former Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian.

"We do not know the details of why their terms were ended before they were supposed to end," Mr Ditoka said.

He said Fiji had been informed that the UK’s mission was currently being led by an acting head while China also continues to have representation in Suva.

"We do not want to speculate. We will respect the processes of the two nations and hope that substantive replacements will be chosen soon so that we can continue the good work between our two countries," he said.

Mr Ditoka said the timing of permanent appointments rests solely with the governments of China and the UK.

"We really do not know. That's up to the two capitals," he said.

The Minister said the transition would not affect Fiji’s engagement with either country, with diplomatic work continuing through the existing missions.

The UK and China are among Fiji’s longstanding diplomatic partners, with both maintaining resident missions in Suva. They work closely with Fiji on issues including trade, investment, development cooperation, climate change, education and regional security.

Diplomatic postings are determined by the sending government, and ambassadors or high commissioners may be reassigned before completing their expected tenure for a range of administrative, diplomatic or domestic reasons.

During such transitions, embassies and high commissions are typically headed by acting representatives to ensure the continuity of bilateral relations.

Mr Ditoka said Fiji would continue working closely with both missions while awaiting the appointment and accreditation of substantive replacements.