Solo Mara has been appointed Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade following the completion of the Public Service recruitment process.
Mara takes over from Raijeli Taga, whose contract as Permanent Secretary has ended.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka welcomed Mara’s appointment, saying it comes as Fiji continues to expand its diplomatic engagement, external trade relations and international partnerships.
“I welcome PS Mara to the Ministry and look forward to working closely with him and our entire MFA&ET team as we continue strengthening Fiji’s foreign service and ensuring that it delivers effectively for Government and for the people of Fiji,” Ditoka said.
Ditoka also thanked Taga for her service and leadership during her tenure.
“I wish to place on record my appreciation to PS Taga for her service to the Ministry and to Fiji during her tenure as Permanent Secretary,” he said.
“She has led the Ministry through a busy period in Fiji’s international engagement, and I thank her for the commitment and professionalism she has brought to the role.”
A three-week handover period will be undertaken to ensure continuity and an orderly transition within the Ministry.
Ditoka said the leadership change would not affect the Ministry’s ongoing programme of work as Fiji continues to pursue an active diplomatic and trade agenda.
“Our work continues. Fiji has an increasingly active diplomatic and trade agenda, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our headquarters and overseas missions operate as one team, with clear priorities, strong accountability and a consistent focus on advancing Fiji’s national interests,” he said.
Ditoka said he looked forward to working with Mara to build on existing work and further strengthen Fiji’s diplomatic service.
