Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka undertook an official visit to Singapore from 21 to 23 April 2025, at the invitation of Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong. This visit marked Prime Minister Rabuka’s second official engagement with Singapore, following his inaugural visit to the Republic in 1998, and reflects the deepening relationship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Rabuka was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House on 22 April 2025, an event that symbolized the esteem and significance Singapore places on its relationship with Fiji. Following the formalities, Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Wong held extensive discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to fostering strong and resilient ties. An official luncheon was hosted in honor of Prime Minister Rabuka, underlining the growing warmth, mutual respect, and trust between the two countries.
As part of his engagements, Prime Minister Rabuka called on Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana, rekindling their acquaintance from their first meeting nearly three decades ago. Their dialogue focused on broadening cooperation between Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and developed economies, particularly in areas of shared concern such as climate change, digital innovation, and the pursuit of sustainable economic development. Both leaders underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts to bridge development gaps and build resilience against emerging global challenges.
In their exchange, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed deep admiration for Singapore’s remarkable development journey. He acknowledged the valuable lessons Fiji draws from Singapore’s experiences, particularly in cultivating innovation, enhancing governance, and fostering economic resilience. Rabuka emphasized that Fiji sees Singapore as an exemplary model of how strategic vision and steadfast implementation can drive national transformation, especially in the face of limited resources.
Further demonstrating his interest in Singapore’s expertise, Prime Minister Rabuka visited the Maritime and Port Authority’s Port Operations Control Centre on 23 April. During the site visit, he observed Singapore’s advanced port management systems and operational best practices. Given the critical importance of maritime sectors to both nations’ economies, this visit was particularly significant. Rabuka noted that insights gained from Singapore’s port operations would be instrumental in enhancing Fiji’s own maritime strategies, boosting trade connectivity, and supporting economic growth.
The visit by Prime Minister Rabuka also served to reinforce Singapore’s enduring commitment to supporting the Pacific region. Singapore’s partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), established when it became a Dialogue Partner in 2022, has seen increasing engagement with Pacific Island nations. Over the past three decades, Singapore has trained more than 1,500 Fijian officials through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, contributing to capacity building and strengthening institutional ties across the region.
The visit concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future trajectory of Singapore-Fiji relations. By focusing on areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation, economic cooperation, and maritime development, both countries are poised to further deepen their partnership. Prime Minister Rabuka’s engagements in Singapore highlighted a shared commitment to working together to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small island nations in an increasingly interconnected world.
This official visit not only celebrated the longstanding friendship between Fiji and Singapore but also opened new avenues for collaboration, ensuring that the relationship continues to flourish in the years ahead.
