TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Fijian diplomat made an unannounced visit to Taiwan this week, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Reuters reported Thursday that the Presidential Office had confirmed Fiji’s permanent representative to the UN, Filipo Tarakinikini, met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), along with other UN ambassadors from allies the Marshall Islands and Paraguay. He also had dinner with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). 

Hsiao was quoted as saying she welcomed the visit. “Heartfelt thanks to the permanent representatives, as friends of Taiwan, for their longstanding support and assistance, which have helped Taiwan play a meaningful role in the international system, especially within the United Nations system.” 

Taiwan’s foreign ministry provided few details of the visit but said it would strengthen informal cooperation. The ministry described the meeting as “constructive” and “focused on practical collaboration,” per Reuters.

The Fijian government has not issued an official statement, but reportedly the visit was intended to explore new avenues for economic and environmental cooperation. Fiji, like many Pacific Island nations, faces growing climate threats, making sustainability partnerships a priority.

In September, Taiwanese firefighters hosted their Fijian and Filipino counterparts in a joint training program at the National Fire Agency Training Center in Nantou. The initiative was funded by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation.