Samoa High Commission in Suva, Fiji

Meeting between the Samoa High Commission with the Executives of Carpenters Properties Pte Ltd (Landlord) – Friday 20 March 2026

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, H.E Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia together with the Deputy High Commissioner Ms Belinda Filo-Tafunai hosted the meeting with the Landlord, the Executives of Carpenters Properties Pte Ltd, Mr Kunaseelan Sabaratnam - Director and Mr Daniel Whippy - Executive General Manager at the Samoa High Commission Chancery on Friday 20 March 2026.

The purpose of the meeting was to allow Mr Kunaseelan Sabaratnam, Director to visit and view for the first time the Samoa High Commission premises as well as to meet in person with the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner since taking up his role as Director of Carpenters Properties Pte Ltd. High Commissioner expressed his sincere appreciation for accepting the call to have the meeting at the Samoa High Commission as it allowed both parties to go through the details of the Sub-Lease Agreement. The Samoa High Commission looks forwards to further close engagements with Carpenters Properties Pte Ltd.

Courtesy Meeting with the Deputy Secretary General and Staff from the Pacific Islands Forum – Friday 20 March 2026

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, H.E Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia had the pleasure of receiving a courtesy call from the Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi, the Director Governance Engagement Salome Taufa and Engagement Adviser-Regional Governance Nikola Maria K Komailevuka from the Pacific Islands Forum at the Samoa High Commission Chancery on Friday 20 March 2026.

The talanoa session focused on regional leadership, members relations, regional security, CROP coordination, the partnership mechanism, the upcoming series of Forum meetings and the deepening of regionalism. The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, H.E Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia conveys his sincere appreciation for the productive talanoa session acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Pacific Islands Forum as Secretariat providing adequate advisory services and support to member countries.

Hosted Senior Officials from MFAT Samoa on Diplomatic Training in Suva, Fiji – Tuesday 17 March 2026

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, H.E Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia together with the Deputy High Commissioner Ms Belinda Filo-Tafunai welcomed and hosted Samoa’s three Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the Samoa High Commission Chancery who were in Suva, Fiji attending the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme for Cohort 4 which was held at the Pacific Islands Forum from Monday 16 to Tuesday 17 March 2026.

The officials from Samoa included Ms Annie Mauga-Afoa, Principal Foreign Service Officer from the Bilateral Relations Division, Mr Le-Taua Iairo Tala, Principal Foreign Service Officer and Mr Elisara Elisara, Senior Foreign Service Officer both from the Protocol Services Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Apia, Samoa. The High Commissioner during the talanoa session expressed his sincere appreciation to the three officials for availing time out of the tight training programme and for accepting his invitation to visit the Samoa High Commission Chancery noting it’s their first time in Fiji; as its always encouraged that officials visit our Diplomatic Mission prior to departure. High Commissioner H.E Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia conveyed his well wishes on the next phase of the training programme in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme, sponsored by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and managed by Education New Zealand (ENZ), is a recurring annual program designed for early-career foreign service officers from across the Pacific region. The Cohort 4 of the Programme departed on early Wednesday 18 March 2026 for Honiara, Solomon Islands for the next phase of the training.

Church Service (Faigalotu) for the Samoan Students at FNU and USP – Friday 13 March 2026

Each year after the new first year and continuing Samoan students have settled into Suva, Fiji within their respective Universities, the Samoa High Commission host an evening church service (faigalotu) to spiritually bless the student’s academic journey throughout the year. The church service was held at U8 Lecture Theatre at the University of the South Pacific on Friday 13 March 2026 at 6.30pm.

The program commenced with the Deputy High Commissioner Ms Belinda Filo-Tafunai as MC officially welcoming all the Samoan students (both private and sponsored) from the Fiji National University (FNU) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) on behalf of the Samoa High Commissioner and conveyed sincere appreciation to all students present for graciously accepting the invitation to come together for our church service program for 2026. Moreover, acknowledged the presence of Rev. Vavatau Taufao and his wife Faletua Roina Vavatau at the service program.

Rev. Vavatau Taufao delivered the church service highlighting the key spiritual messages linked to the academic performances of the students, which was followed by the beautiful singing by the students who form the choir for the Samoa Congregational Christian Church in Suva, Fiji. Introductions were then made by the new students both at the Fiji National University (FNU) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) followed by the continuing students.

The Samoa High Commission through the Deputy High Commissioner Ms Belinda Filo-Tafunai used the opportunity to provide a brief update and key reminders to all the Samoan students on matters which they needed to be aware of and adhere to whilst studying in Suva, Fiji emphasizing that the Samoa High Commission regards each individual as an adult and not solely as a student. Since everyone has successfully made it to University, at tertiary level, students were encouraged to use the opportunity wisely, to work hard to achieve and maintain great results, to ensure each student maintains their scholarships, and not be distracted by external influence. Students who are privately funded were also reminded of the tremendous support from parents and families who desire only the best for their child's future.

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, His Excellency Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia during his brief remarks shared his experience as a former alumni of USP and as a proud father. He reminded the students of their privileges in having the office of the Samoa High Commission in Suva, Fiji that has oversight of students welfare, security and provides assistance where required considering students are away from their families in Samoa. High Commissioner further reiterated that each student must keep in mind all the advisory messages relayed during the gathering as the whole intention is to encourage everyone to strive for the best, graduate in time and return home to their proud families and serve in Samoa in whatever capacity they solely desire.

The service ended with Rev. Vavatau Taufao delivering a concluding prayer then followed by light dinner organised by the Samoa High Commission.

COURTESY VISIT BY THE AMBASSDOR OF CUBA TO FIJI

Following the presentation of his credentials to the President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the newly appointed Ambassador of Cuba to Fiji, HE Nestor Enrique Torres Olivera, paid a courtesy visit to the High Commissioner of Samoa, HE Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, on Tuesday, 10 March at the Samoa Chancery in Suva.

The visit provided an opportunity for a friendly exchange and discussion on areas of mutual interest. Samoa looks forward to continued cooperation and strengthening relations with Cuba in the years ahead.
Embacuba Fiyi

COURTESY VISIT BY THE FIRST RESIDENT AMBASSADOR OF THE PHILIPPINES TO FIJI

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, HE Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, was pleased to receive a courtesy visit from the First Resident Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Fiji, HE Noel M Novicio, on Tuesday 10th March at the Samoa High Commission in Suva.

The visit provided a good opportunity to exchange views on areas of mutual interest and to strengthen the friendly relations between Samoa and the Republic of the Philippines, as well as cooperation within the Pacific region.

The Samoa High Commission looks forward to continued engagement with the Embassy of the Philippines in Fiji.

VISIT TO FIJI BY SAMOA'S MINISTER FOR HEALTH, HON VA'AAOAO SALUMALO ALOFIPO

Samoa’s Minister for Health, Honourable Va'aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, travelled to Fiji on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 to undertake high-level consultations with Pacific Specialist Healthcare regarding the potential transfer and advanced surgical management of patients from Samoa.

The Hon. Minister was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, June Scanlan-Lui, along with government officials Dr. Folototo Tuiai, Minnie Matalavea, and Eseese Sina Georgina Faaiuga.

During the three-day visit, the delegation conducted site visits and meetings in Suva and Nadi. The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, HE Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, joined the delegation during the meetings and site visits, welcoming the opportunity to support ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening access to specialised healthcare services for the people of Samoa.

The consultations reflect Samoa’s continued commitment to exploring regional partnerships that can enhance healthcare delivery and expand access to advanced medical services for our people.

Ministry of Health Samoa
Pacific Specialist Healthcare

COURTESY VISIT BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER OF INDIA TO FIJI HE SHRI SUNEET MEHTA AND PROFESSOR (DR.) BIMAL N. PATEL

The High Commissioner of Samoa to Fiji, HE Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia had the honour of receiving the High Commissioner of India, HE Shri Suneet Mehta and India’s candidate for Member Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Professor (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, on Thursday 26th February 2026 at the Chancery of Samoa.

Professor Patel paid a courtesy visit ahead of the upcoming ITLOS election, which will take place during the Thirty-Sixth Meeting of States Parties in June 2026 in New York.

The Samoa High Commission extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Patel on his nomination and India every success in the upcoming election.

India in Fiji (High Commission of India, Suva)

2026 COMMONWEALTH KINGS BATON RELAY, SUVA FIJI

Commonwealth Missions in Fiji participated in the Commonwealth King’s Baton Relay event in Suva, today Thursday 26th February.

The gathering reflected the unity and shared purpose of our Commonwealth family, particularly as island and maritime nations whose identities and futures are closely tied to the ocean.

The occasion also brought to mind the historic visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Samoa in 2024 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), a significant moment for the Pacific and the wider Commonwealth community.

As we look ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, the King’s Baton Relay continues to symbolize friendship, resilience, and our shared commitment to the values that unite us.

Together, we celebrate the spirit of sport and reaffirm our collective responsibility to safeguard our oceans for generations to come.

LAUNCH OF AMA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon Sitiveni Rabuka, officially launched AMA Insurance Company Limited at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji recently granted a General Insurance Licence to AMA Insurance Company Limited (AMA), a subsidiary of Apia Insurance Company Limited in Samoa. The establishment of AMA is anticipated to broaden insurance underwriting capacity and strengthen claims administration services in Fiji. The introduction of additional insurance products and services is expected to further enhance risk management solutions within Fiji’s insurance market.

It was a proud and significant moment to witness the establishment of a Samoan-owned business here in Fiji — a reflection of the strengthened relations and enduring partnership between Fiji and Samoa.

The High Commissioner of Samoa, Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Belinda Tafunai and her spouse, Mataia Loleni Tafunai attended the official launch in support of this milestone occasion.

Also in attendance were Atoese Morgan Tuimalealiifano, former USP Lecturer; Mr and Mrs McCaig (Retired Doctors); Missionary Vavatau Taufao, CCCS Aulotu; and Ms Desna Solofa, Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Congratulations to AMA Insurance Company Limited on this important achievement and best wishes for continued success in Fiji.