Indonesia opens embassy in Fiji

JAKARTA: Indonesia opened an embassy in the Republic of Fiji at Holiday Inn Hotel in Suva on Thursday, marking the start of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Director General for Asian, Pacific and African Affairs Makarim Wibisono officiated the new embassy in a ceremony attended by Fijian Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola, representatives of international organizations, Fijian public leaders, and the Indonesian community in the tiny republic.

A statement released by the Indonesian foreign ministry said the opening of the embassy was aimed at expanding and promoting trade between the two countries.

New Zealand Prime Minister Phil Ghoff welcomed the opening of the embassy, hoping that Indonesia would help Fiji under the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relation (PACER). -- JP