ABU DHABI, November 5, 2025: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Wednesday with His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, President of the Republic of Fiji, to discuss advancing cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Fiji across key sectors, including renewable energy, trade, investment, tourism, and agriculture.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu advance trade relations. (Credit – WAM)
The meeting took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during President Lalabalavu’s working visit to the UAE. The two leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and align development priorities in areas that contribute to the long-term economic and social advancement of both nations. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding collaboration through practical initiatives that promote sustainable growth and innovation.
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE’s continued focus on building strong partnerships with Pacific island nations, emphasizing mutual benefits in clean energy and environmental resilience. The discussions included an assessment of the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund, which was launched in 2013 to support renewable energy projects across Pacific island countries.
The initiative has financed solar, wind, and hybrid power solutions aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting energy independence in the region. President Lalabalavu expressed appreciation for the UAE’s sustained engagement with the Pacific, noting Fiji’s interest in strengthening cooperation on climate adaptation, agricultural development, and tourism promotion.
Renewable energy cooperation central to bilateral dialogue
The two sides acknowledged the importance of shared efforts to address global challenges such as climate change and economic diversification through practical cooperation and technology transfer. During his visit, the Fijian President also paid respects at Wahat Al Karama, the national and military memorial in Abu Dhabi, where he was received by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
President Lalabalavu laid a wreath at the memorial and was briefed on its significance as a national symbol of sacrifice and service. He later visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where he toured the cultural and architectural site and learned about its role in promoting values of tolerance and coexistence. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, along with several ministers and senior officials from both countries.
The delegation discussed areas where technical expertise and investment could enhance Fiji’s renewable energy infrastructure and bolster the UAE’s economic engagement in the Pacific region. Fiji has recently expanded its international engagement efforts, with President Lalabalavu’s visit marking an important milestone in relations with the Gulf region. The UAE and Fiji established formal diplomatic ties in 2010, and cooperation has since grown in development assistance, trade, and education.
Fiji and UAE advance joint goals on climate adaptation
Earlier this year, officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with their Fijian counterparts to explore opportunities in digital transformation, youth development, and environmental initiatives. Both nations are participants in international climate frameworks and share commitments under global sustainability goals. The UAE, as host of the COP28 summit in 2023, has continued to strengthen partnerships focused on renewable energy transitions and low-carbon development.
Fiji, recognized as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, has sought collaboration with international partners to build resilience and achieve its national development plan objectives. The meeting in Abu Dhabi reaffirmed the growing importance of UAE-Pacific relations within a broader framework of South-South cooperation.
It underscored the UAE’s expanding role in supporting development and climate initiatives beyond its immediate region, and Fiji’s recognition of the UAE as a key partner in advancing shared priorities rooted in sustainability and economic progress. The visit concluded with both sides emphasizing continued dialogue and cooperation within existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks to support joint development objectives and strengthen diplomatic engagement between the two nations. – By Content Syndication Services.