28 May 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Education Minister meets the new Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Minister for Education, Heritage & Arts and Local Government, Hon. Premila Kumar met the newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Penny Wong while she was on her first official visit to Fiji.
“I am indeed very delighted to meet you, and first and foremost, I wish to congratulate you for your recent election victory and being appointed as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Coming to Fiji immediately after your appointment shows your commitment to strengthening the Australian – Fiji bilateral relationship,” said Minister Kumar. Australia and Fiji share a very long lasting friendship which began decades ago and that still stands strong.
The two leaders discussed the current collaborations in education. Senator Wong commended Fiji’s response to COVID-19 to ensure learning and teaching progressed after containing the virus and opening its boarders.
Minister Kumar also thanked the Australian Government for all the support given to the Ministry over the years.
Their discussion centered on how Australia can support professional development of our teachers to continuously develop capacity and leadership programmes for our school leaders.
Hon. Kumar updated Senator Wong on the progress of rehabilitation work that is being done in the schools that were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa. Further discussions on the impacts of climate change and the need to continue to work towards building resilience were held.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Anjeela Jokhan, Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts and Mr. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Director for Local Government Ms. Bindula Devi.
Hon. Premila Kumar with Senator, Hon. Penny Wong