Solomon Islands new High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Joseph Ma’ahanua was commissioned at the Government House by the Governor General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi on Thursday 21 October 2021.
High Commissioner Joseph Maahanua was appointed by the Government as High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji and Permanent Representative to the Pacific Islands Forum. He will later be accredited to other Pacific Islands countries, a statement issued by Government Communication Unit.
During the commissioning ceremony, His Excellency Sir Vunagi reminded the new envoy that as High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji, his task is, first and foremost, to represent and promote the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in Fiji.
The Governor General further stated that the government will rely on the leadership of the High Commissioner in Fiji in providing sound advice and deliberation on all matters regarding political, economic, social and cultural.
High Commissioner Ma’ahanua pledged his service to the Government and people of Solomon Islands and has reiterated his commitment to enhance the bilateral relations between the two Melanesian countries, and at the same maximize potentials that Solomon Islands can benefit from its relations with the Republic of Fiji.
High Commissioner Joseph Ma’ahanua is a career Diplomat, serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the last 30 years. He was the former Trade Commissioner and Deputy Secretary in the Foreign Ministry.
Prior to that, he served from 2005-2014 as Solomon Islands Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands. He was also Solomon Islands High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
High Commissioner Ma’ahanua holds a Bachelors in History and Politics from the University of the South Pacific and a Masters in Foreign Relations from Monash University in Australia.
High Commissioner Joseph Ma’ahanua replaces High Commissioner William Soaki who has now been posted as Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.
H.E Sir David Vunagi, Governor General, congratulating the Solomon Islands newly commissioned High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji H.E Mr. Joseph Ma’ahanua.
High Commissioner Ma’ahanua is expected to leave for his posting at the end of this month.
