Fiji–South Korea relations

The Republic of the Fiji Islands and the Republic of Korea established official diplomatic relations in 1970, when Fiji became independent. [ [http://fji.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/fji/bilateral/political/index.jsp "Political relations"] , ROK embassy in Fiji] There is a South Korean embassy in Suva [ [http://south-korea.visahq.com/embassy/Fiji/ Address of the South Korean embassy in Suva] ] and a Fijian embassy in Seoul [ [http://fiji.visahq.com/embassy/South-Korea/ Address of the Fijian embassy in Seoul] ] . Relations between the two countries are currently friendly, and are being strengthened at the initiative of the Fijian authorities.

History

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 [ [http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/09/11/fijinews3.html "Fiji to establish diplomatic mission in Korea"] , FijiLive, September 11, 2007] , 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. [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=35210 "Chinese bank seeks place in Fiji"] , Radio New Zealand International, September 18, 2007] 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." [ [http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/09/11/fijinews3.html "Fiji to establish diplomatic mission in Korea"] , FijiLive, September 11, 2007]

In July 2007, Fiji's Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry outlined his country's "Look North" foreign policy::“Fiji has friends in China, it has friends in Korea, it has friends in […] other Asian countries. We’re no longer relying on Australia and New Zealand. And in any event, the United States was not doing much for Fiji anyway.” [ [http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=2162 "Chaudhry breaks silence to slag New Zealand"] , NiuFM, July 9, 2007]

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." [ [http://fji.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/fji/bilateral/political/index.jsp "Political relations"] , ROK embassy in Fiji]

There are approximately 1,000 Korean residents in Fiji. [ [http://fji.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/fji/bilateral/political/index.jsp "Political relations"] , ROK embassy in Fiji]

Fiji has no diplomatic relations with North Korea.

External links

* [http://fji.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/fji/main/index.jsp Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Fiji Islands] , official website
* [http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_5898.shtml "Fiji-Korea Association will strengthen ties"] , Fiji government press release, December 2, 2005

See also

* Foreign relations of Fiji
* Foreign relations of South Korea

References