Fiji and Canada have agreed to work together to address the capacity challenges preventing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from accessing climate financing at a meeting in New York between Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Bainimarama thanked Canada for its $1.63 million assistance to Fiji in the wake of Cyclone Winston and briefed the Canadian Prime Minister on Fiji's recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Bainimarama also thanked Canada for its $5.48 billion contribution towards assisting developing countries facing challenges related to climate change and expressed his hope that Canada will continue to work closely with Fiji and other Small Island Developing States who are threatened by climate‑related extreme weather events.

PM Voreqe Bainimarama (left) greets  
the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
(Photo: Fiji Government)

The two also agreed to work together to use Fiji as a regional hub to expand Canada's relations with Pacific Island countries.

Bainimarama also extended an invitation to Prime Minster Trudeau to visit Fiji in the near future.