September 13, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada Minister Joly further highlighted ongoing Canadian commitments in the Pacific Islands region, as per the Indo-Pacific Strategy, including the arrival of Canada’s first resident-diplomat in the region in Suva, Fiji, in October 2022, Canada’s new Shared Oceans Fund, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands in May 2023. Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to be a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Pacific Islands region. Premier Tagelagi thanked Canada for its increasing engagement in the region as well as for its leadership in hosting the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022, which he attended. Minister Joly and Premier Tagelagi also discussed shared priorities of climate resilience and oceans management. Minister Joly and Premier Tagelagi both stated that they look forward to their next encounter. Yesterday, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Niue’s Premier and Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honourable Dalton Tagelagi, to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Niue.
