Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka paid tribute to the late Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Mosese Tikoitoga for his “open and serious spirit” as a diplomat , “low ego and equal humor, and for being “always calm under pressure. An exemplary son of Fiji…may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

While delivering a eulogy at the late Mr Tikoitoga’s funeral service at the Makosoi Methodist Church in Pacific Harbour yesterday, he said the onus was on the Foreign Affairs Ministry to continue its responsibility to remember and build on his hard work and “carry forward the mantle in furthering Fiji’s global footprint.”

Mr Rabuka extended to Mrs Tikoitoga, her children, and the extended family the nation’s gratitude for the late Ambassador to Papua New Guinea’s years of service to the nation.

The late Mr Tikoitoga had an illustrious career as a military officer, diplomat, and civil servant.

Before his passing, he held the position of High Commissioner of Fiji to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

He also held the distinguished positions of Ambassador at Large and High Commissioner to Ethiopia with Permanent Representation to the African Union. In this role, the late High Commissioner was accredited to 9 other countries including Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq in the Middle East.

The late High Commissioner Tikoitoga was a decorated military officer, having served for 32 years in various capacities in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.