Matthew Rycroft, the permanent secretary of the UK’s home office, spent two days in Fiji to reaffirm the UK’s long-term commitment to Fiji and the larger Pacific.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (left), Permanent Secretary of the UK Home Office, Matthew Rycroft
The Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney General and Minister for Economy, Justice, Civil Service, and Communications, was among the government representatives and partners the Permanent Secretary visited during the two-day visit.
Henry Puna, the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, The Hon. Inia Seruiratu, minister of defence, national security, policing, rural and maritime development, and disaster management
PS Rycroft reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Fiji and the greater Pacific region for the long term and expressed his wish to collaborate closely with the government on issues like climate security and transnational crime.
He emphasised the UK’s pledge at COP26 to fund the Pacific region with a new £274 million Climate Action for Resilience Asia (CARA) initiative stated that the UK would provide £15 million to the Pacific via its Violence, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) initiative, which collaborates with Pacific Island Countries to enhance the rule of law, maritime security, decrease conflict and corruption, and advance open and inclusive communities.
HMS Spey and Tamar, two forward-deployed Royal Navy offshore patrol vessels, were cited as helping Fiji combat illegal fishing and other marine dangers in addition to their extensive involvement in sports, conservation, and women’s empowerment.
Mr Matthew Rycroft said:
It gives me great pleasure to be here Fiji and to be fighting for causes that are important to my Pacific partners.
We have a similar past, ideals, and commitment to overcoming obstacles across the world.
The UK is home to a sizable diaspora of Fijians, which is crucial to the connection between the two nations. The UK considers Fiji to be a particularly significant partner because of these interpersonal connections.
Dr. Brian Jones, the British High Commissioner to Fiji, said:
PS Rycroft spoke with USP students in addition to his emphasis on national security to talk about the terrible Russian invasion of Ukraine and its rising implications on the Pacific.
Additionally, he saw top Fijian police officials who were in route to the UK for training and study with Greater Manchester Constabulary. This enhances our collaboration in maintaining and defending the rule of law and world peace.