SUVA - Fijian Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola on Wednesday received Russia's Vice-Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Suva, discussing ways to deepen relations.

Morgulov "applauded Fiji for holding successful elections and for an impressive victory for the Fiji First Party", and " acknowledged the respect the Russian Federation has towards Fiji in the conduct of independent foreign policy", said Fiji's Department of Information.

The two sides discussed ways to accelerate Russian trade and investment in Fiji that could see both countries capitalizing on untapped potentials.

"By strengthening ties with Russia, Fiji could also benefit from more cultural exchanges and developments in terms of capacity building and defense cooperation," said the department.