Samoa’s outgoing High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Ali‘ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, has paid a farewell courtesy call on Fiji’s President, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, marking the end of his five-year diplomatic posting.
The meeting took place at the State House in Suva on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
President Lalabalavu thanked High Commissioner Elisaia for his dedicated service and contribution to strengthening relations between Samoa and Fiji, as well as his work in advancing regional cooperation across the Pacific.
The President highlighted the deep historical, cultural and family connections shared by the two countries, including the longstanding presence of Samoan communities in Fiji and the strong people-to-people links that continue to unite both nations.
Reflecting on his term, High Commissioner Elisaia expressed his gratitude to the President, the Fijian Government and the people of Fiji for the warmth and hospitality extended to him throughout his service.
He said Samoa’s diplomatic mission in Fiji reflected the country’s commitment to working closely with Fiji and other Pacific Islands Forum members to address challenges affecting Pacific nations at national and regional levels.
High Commissioner Elisaia described Fiji as a centre of Pacific regional diplomacy, noting that Samoa’s presence in Suva had enabled it to remain actively involved in advancing the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and contributing to regional solutions.
He said the partnership between Samoa and Fiji remained grounded in mutual trust and respect, supported by more than five decades of diplomatic relations and enduring cultural, social and economic ties.
The High Commissioner also acknowledged the growing Fijian community in Samoa and the expanding Samoan community in Fiji as further evidence of the close relationship between the two countries.
High Commissioner Elisaia has served as Samoa’s High Commissioner to Fiji since March 2021.
