The Minister for Foreign Affairs (commonly known as the Foreign Minister) is a cabinet minister responsible for foreign relations and diplomacy of Fiji, and oversees its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Especially since two military coups in 1987 harmed Fiji's relationship with other countries, with two more coups in 2000 and 2006 respectively, the Foreign Minister's position has been a very important one.
Description of the office Like other ministers, the Foreign Minister is formally appointed by the President on the nomination of the Prime Minister, and is responsible to both the Prime Minister and the Parliament. The position may be held independently, or in conjunction with other ministerial responsibilities. From time to time, the Prime Minister has simultaneously served as Foreign Minister.
Along with all ministers, the Foreign Minister is constitutionally required to be a member of the Parliament.
List of ministers Political parties
Other factions
Symbols
The following is a list of foreign ministers of Fiji since the country gained independence in 1970:
Name Portrait Tenure 1 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 1970–1982 2 Mosese Qionibaravi 1982–1983 3 Jonati Mavoa 1983–1985 4 Semesa Sikivou 1985–1986 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 1986–1987 5 Krishna Datt 1987 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 1987 6 Filipe Bole 1987–1988 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 1988–1992 Filipe Bole 1992–1994 7 Sitiveni Rabuka 1994 Filipe Bole 1994–1997 8 Berenado Vunibobo 1997–1999 9 Tupeni Baba 1999–2000 10 Kaliopate Tavola 2000–2006 — Isikeli Mataitoga 2006–2007 11 Ratu Epeli Nailatikau 2007–2008 12 Frank Bainimarama 2008–2009 2009 13 Ratu Inoke Kubuabola 2009–2016 Frank Bainimarama 2016–2019 14 Inia Seruiratu 2019–2020 Frank Bainimarama 2020–2022 Sitiveni Rabuka 2022–present
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