Both countries were part of the British Empire and have long-standing relations due to many Fijian soldiers serving in Peninsular Malaysia during the Malayan Emergency from 1952 to 1956.[3] In 1971, the first Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, visited Malaysia then diplomatic relations were established in 1977.[3] The Malaysian High Commission in Suva was established in 1984 while the Fijian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur been established in 1988.[3]
Economic and security relations
Fiji currently seeks technical assistance from Malaysia in the areas of agriculture, development of small medium enterprises, fisheries, forestry and to improving manufacturing base of Fiji.[3] Fiji also seeks assistance on the renewable energy projects and infrastructural development.[3] The country also considering marketing and promotion of Fiji products in Malaysia and the rest of Asia which is imperative on the tourism sector.[3] There is also plan for a direct air link to Malaysia which would be benefits to boost to the Fijian tourism sector and both countries have a relations in military officers training, education, and air services.[3][4][5] In 2011, a Fiji-Malaysia business council has been launched.[6]